The decision comes amid a surge in global prices and concerns over lower domestic production India has banned exports of sugar for the next five months to keep prices in check amid a global rally in the commodity. New Delhi said in an announcement late on Wednesday that the measure will remain in force until September 30. Limited exceptions, including for existing consignments and exports under government deals for food security, will be allowed. The decision comes amid concerns over lower production. The sugarcane harvest in India, the world’s largest sugar producer, which begins around October, could be affected by a lower-than-average monsoon because of the El Nino weather pattern, AFP reported . New Delhi needs roughly 26-28 million tons of sugar annually for domestic use. Output was about 31.5 million tonnes in 2023-24 and is estimated to be around 25.8 million tonnes in 2024-25 after a weak season. India exported a record 11 million tonnes of sugar in 2021-22.…