Egypt expects to produce about 1 million tonnes of sugar from cane this season, which runs from January through May.

Egypt also produces about 1.3 million tonnes of sugar from sugar beet each year and consumes about 3 million tonnes annually.

It meets its production shortfall with a mix of private and public sector imports.

The buying price increase follows an initial hike to 700 pounds per tonne from 620 pounds earlier this month, a ministry spokesman said.

Egypt said last month it had sufficient sugar reserves to meet local demand for five months.