New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- India may double its sugar export quota to 2 million metric tonnes in the 2025-26 season as reduced diversion of sugar for ethanol production is expected to leave a larger domestic surplus, industry officials said.

The development could add downward pressure on global sugar prices, with benchmark New York and London futures already hovering near five-year lows.

The world's second-largest sugar producer had been a leading exporter until last year, averaging 6.8 million tonnes of shipments annually between 2018-19 and 2022-23, according to ET.

However, exports were curtailed to just 1 million tonnes in 2023-24 after drought conditions led the government to impose restrictions.

"If you are talking about likely export...