Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Monsoon Damage Raises Fears of Food and Fuel Pressures
India has had a difficult monsoon season, with floods and too little rain affecting different areas.
More than 300 people have died in rain and flood-related events.
At the same time, over 40% of the country had much less rain than usual.
The article says a strengthening El Niño could make the outlook worse.
Food prices, including rice, sugar and cooking oils, are already going up.
Less maize or sugarcane could also make it harder to produce ethanol for blending into petrol.
Maize is also used to feed poultry, so competition for it could put pressure on poultry farmers.
The article warns that the worst effects may still lie ahead.
More than 300 people have died in different Indian states from excessive rain and floods.
Over 40% of India’s area received rainfall at least 20% below normal.
The article warns that a strengthening El Niño could worsen conditions, though the monsoon season is described as ending.
Prices of staples including rice, sugar and cooking oils are already rising.
Possible impacts on maize and sugarcane supplies could affect ethanol blending and increase pressure on poultry feed costs.
- Who
- People and agricultural sectors in India, including poultry producers.
- What
- The article warns of deaths and rainfall deficits from a difficult monsoon, alongside possible food-price, ethanol-supply and poultry-feed pressures.
- When
- During and after the monsoon season; no specific dates are given.
- Where
- India, with excess rain and floods reported in different states.
- Why
- The article cites uneven rainfall and a strengthening El Niño, which could affect crops including maize and sugarcane.
Food and poultry needs
Ethanol blending needs
Competition for maize
Food and poultry needs
Poultry producers rely on maize as a primary feed ingredient, and tighter supplies could pressure the sector.
Ethanol blending needs
Maize is also a primary feedstock for ethanol used in petrol blending, and reduced production could put ethanol supply at risk.
- Deaths
- More than 300 people died in different states from excess rains and floods.
- Rainfall deficit
- Over 40% of India’s area recorded rainfall at least 20% below normal.
- Climate factor
- The article says El Niño is gaining strength in the Pacific.
- Rising prices
- Rice, sugar and cooking oils are already rising in price.
- Potentially affected crops
- Maize and sugarcane production may be affected.
- Maize uses
- Maize is used both for poultry feed and as a feedstock for ethanol used in petrol blending.