India has authorized duty-free imports of 1 million metric tons of raw sugar under a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) through October 31, 2026, its first such import window in nearly a decade, as domestic prices rise sharply before the festive season. The government rejects claims that ethanol diversion is the main cause, noting that sugar diverted for ethanol blending has fallen to around 9% from about 12% in 2022-23 and that nearly three-quarters of ethanol now comes from grains, particularly maize. It attributes the increase to lower expected production, crop diseases and waterlogging, stronger Dussehra and Diwali demand, tighter global supplies, and speculation or hoarding. Measures also include dealer and bulk-consumer stock limits, physical stock checks at mills, and a sugar export ban through September 30. Whether imports and controls reduce prices before the festive rush remains uncertain.