West Asia Conflict Sparks Sulphur Crisis for Indian Sugar Industry
The ongoing war in West Asia is sending shockwaves through the Indian sugar industry, raising fears of severe disruptions in the supply of sulphur, a critical clarifying agent used in sugar production. This crisis emerges as India grapples with meeting the soaring demand for petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, amid global tensions.
Widespread Dependence on Sulphitation Process
Out of India's 540 operational sugar factories, an overwhelming 85% rely on the sulphitation process to refine sugar. This method requires substantial quantities of sulphur, with the industry's current annual demand estimated at a staggering 2 lakh tonnes. The heavy dependence on this chemical makes the sector highly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Expert Calls for Innovation at SugarNxt 2026
In response to this looming threat, Prof Narendra Mohan, former director of the National Sugar Institute, has been invited to deliver a pivotal presentation at the International Conference, SugarNxt 2026, scheduled for April 7 and 8 in New Delhi. His talk will focus on innovative technologies, particularly those enabling the production of sulphur-less sugar and eliminating sulphur use entirely in processing.
Prof Mohan emphasized, "India imports large volumes of sulphur to satisfy the needs of various industries, including sugar. The price of sulphur, which is recovered during the desulphurisation of crude oil and natural gas, started climbing in November due to rising costs and supply constraints in India and China. Now, with the war scenario, prices could skyrocket further. This poses major operational challenges for sugar factories, making it imperative to reconsider producing sulphur-less sugar, which is not only healthier but also environmentally friendly."
Drawbacks of Sulphitation and Market Preferences
Sulphitation sugar faces significant limitations in the market. It is not the preferred choice for institutional buyers because it is unsuitable for producing pharmaceutical-grade sugar, beverages, bakery items, and confectionery. Additionally, the process equipment suffers from corrosion, leading to increased downtime and higher replacement costs, further straining factory operations.
Promising Alternatives and Cost-Effective Solutions
While proven technologies for producing sulphur-less sugars already exist, recent experiments with newer methods have shown promising results. These innovations allow for the production of sulphur-less sugars at a cost comparable to those made through the double sulphitation process. This breakthrough could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient sugar industry in India.
The urgency to adopt these alternatives is underscored by the volatile global situation, highlighting the need for the industry to pivot towards healthier, eco-friendly practices without compromising economic viability.
