Commodity traders are diverting sugar shipments from Russia, causing domestic prices to rise and putting pressure on the Russian government to address food inflation. Russia's sugar stocks are expected to run out by September, due to small last two sugar crops and disrupted shipments, leading to potential localized shortages. The government has set a duty-free quota for sugar imports and banned exports until August 31, but these measures have not prevented a 46% rise in consumer sugar prices between January and March. Investigations into retailers and sugar producers are ongoing in an effort to control prices.