Russia’s sugar beet harvest this year will decline by 2 million tonnes as compared with that in 2009.

“The harvest will be 20-22 million tonnes against 24 million tonnes last year," the Ministry of Agriculture said in a forecast this week. The shortfall of sugar on the market will be compensated for with import.

However, according to the Agriculture Ministry, this should not affect retail prices.

"Stable retail prices will be achieved by maintaining a floating rate of customs duties, depending on the world market price," the Agriculture Ministry said, adding there was the certainty there will be no shortages.