Event
The government restricted the use of sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production in ethanol supply year (ESY) 2023-24 (November 2023 to October 2024) on December 7th, 2023, with immediate effect. However, supply of ethanol from existing offers received by oil marketing companies from B heavy molasses, C heavy molasses and grains will continue.
Background
Production of sugarcane and sugar is projected to decline ~9% and ~3%, respectively due to scanty rainfall seen in key sugarcane producing states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
At the end of SS 2023 (in September 2023) closing inventories of sugar were adequate to meet just 2 months’ consumption as against the past 5-year average of 4 months’ consumption. In light of diminished sugarcane production and sugar supplies, the government implemented several measures.
In October 2023, it extended restrictions on sugar exports beyond October 2024. In July, the Food Corporation of India stopped supplying rice for ethanol production amid supply concerns.
Impact on sugar mills in SS 2023-24
Sugar production to decrease at a slower pace of 3-4%, against the earlier estimated 10-11%
Ethanol production to fall 20%, which could bring ethanol blending rate to less than 10% in ESY 2023-24, against 12% in 2022-23
Prioritising sugar over ethanol amid scarce cane supply
India experienced in scanty rainfall in key sugarcane-producing states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka that received 3% and 18% lower rainfall on-year. Insufficient water availability led to lower yields. As a result, sugarcane production is expected to decrease ~9% in SS 2023-24 (October 2023 to September 2024)
Given sugarcane is a key raw material for production of both sugar and ethanol, dwindling supply is compelling producers to choose between the two.
Against the backdrop of price volatility in staples like rice, wheat, onion, tomato, and the upcoming national elections, the government has taken measures to control domestic sugar prices.
It has banned production of ethanol directly from sugarcane juice with immediate effect. However, production of ethanol from B heavy molasses and C heavy molasses is still permitted. Of the total ethanol produced in the country, ethanol from cane juice accounted for 25-30% while that from B heavy molasses accounted for over about 60-65%. Ethanol from C heavy molasses and grains accounted for the rest.
Sugar mills will now divert more sugarcane towards production of B heavy and C heavy molasses, originally intended for ethanol production from sugarcane juice. This is expected to boost sugar production by ~2.5 million tonne for SS 2023-24
