As the country grapples with a food crisis and price surge, some consumers resort to cheaper locally grown products, while others strive for self-sufficiency by growing their own food.

Customers say they are still forced to buy premium sugar even if all they want is normal coarse sugar.

Discovered in 1965 by American chemist James Schlatter, aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than the regular table sugar.

Aspartame is used in products from Coca-Cola diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum and some Snapple drinks.

Sweeteners are consumed by millions in products like diet soda or to sweeten coffee, partly as a way to avoid weight gain from sugar – but how healthy these substitutes are has long been a matter of controversy.

Lower sugar output could limit exports from the world's second-biggest exporter, lifting global prices, and allowing rivals Brazil and Thailand to boost their shipments.

Higher local prices will improve the margins of sugar makers, helping them make cane payments on time to farmers, dealers say.

Lower sugar output could prevent the world's second-biggest exporter from allowing additional exports, potentially supporting global prices, and allowing rivals Brazil and Thailand to increase their shipments.

India is the world's biggest sugar producer and the second biggest exporter behind Brazil.