New Delhi, May 14 -- India on Wednesday banned sugar exports with immediate effect until September 30, 2026, or until further orders, the government said in a notification, as the world's second-largest sugar producer tries to rein in local prices.

The move is likely to support global white and raw sugar prices, while allowing rival producers Brazil and Thailand to boost shipments to Asian and African buyers.

India, the world's biggest sugar exporter after Brazil, allowed mills to export 1.59 million metric tons, betting output would exceed domestic demand. But production is now expected to lag consumption for a second consecutive year as cane yields weaken in major growing regions.

Forecasts that El Nino weather conditions could disru...