Sugar availability in the coming 2016-17 sugar season, starting from October, will be around 31 million tonnes, much more than the expected demand of 26 million tonnes, an official statement said, refuting speculations of a shortage due to low production.

According to the statement, India will start the 2016-17sugar season with an opening stock of seven million tonnes, while domestic production is projected to be around 23-24 million tonnes.

This means that the total availability would be approximately 31 million tonnes, while demand would be 26 million tonnes.

"The government has taken necessary steps to maintain sufficient stocks in the country. It has imposed 20 per cent duty on export of sugar and has empowered state governments to impose stockholding limits on traders to ensure availability of sugar at reasonable prices," the statement added.