India on Thursday allowed import of one million tonnes of raw sugar duty-free as part of its efforts to tame soaring sugar prices and keep food inflation under check.In a notification issued late evening, the Commerce Ministry said the imports would be allowed under a tariff rate quota regime. The imports will be allowed only till October 30, 2026.The move comes after sugar prices in Delhi retail markets surged to a record high of ₹55.70 a kg. Sugar prices in the global market have currently increased to an 18-month high. On Thursday, October raw sugar futures on the InterContinental Exchange, New York, was quoted at 17.67 US cents a pound (about $390 or ₹37.350 a tonne). White sugar prices in London are ruling at $549.90 (₹52,600) a tonne. Published on August 20, 2026