New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- Sugar prices in India are expected to rise around 7 per cent during the current season despite the government's decision to allow duty-free imports as low inventories and firm domestic demand continue to keep the market tight, according to Crisil Intelligence.

The research and analytics firm's latest impact note said the import intervention is expected to moderate the increase in prices, prompting it to lower its earlier forecast of a 9 per cent rise.

"The additional supply is expected to moderate the increase in sugar prices, with average SS26 prices now projected to rise ~7%, compared with the earlier estimate of 9%," Crisil Intelligence said.

For the 2025-26 sugar season (SS26), which runs from October 2025 to ...