Letters to the Editor dated August 27, 2026 - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 76,933.59 -539.35NIFTY 24,090.85 -116.90CRUDEOIL 7,897.00 0.00GOLD 159,356.00 -307.00SILVER 240,525.00+ 887.00SENSEX 76,933.59 -539.35NIFTY 24,090.85 -116.90NIFTY 24,090.85 -116.90CRUDEOIL 7,897.00 0.00CRUDEOIL 7,897.00 0.00GOLD 159,356.00 -307.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Updated - August 27, 2026 at 09:34 PM.Lost in transitThis refers to ‘Trump says the US doesn’t need Canada; the economy says otherwise’ (August 27). Is it not ironical that Trump refuses to see the ‘writing on the wall’?How could he afford to turn a blind eye to domestic ground realities when it comes to its extensive economic dependence on Canada?One hopes Trump soon takes a more pragmatic approach while negotiating with his key allies.Kumar GuptPanchkula (Haryana)Sugar worriesApropos, ‘Sugar trail’ (August 27), a 40 per cent surge in sugar prices has transformed a household staple into a formidable burden, particularly during the festival season. The government bears substantial responsibility for miscalculating production and oscillating between export permissions and imports.Excessive intervention in stocks, market releases, exports and ethanol diversion have aggravated supply distortions. Additional imports may provide temporary relief, but cannot rectify flawed policymaking. Accurate production forecasts, consumption assessments and coordinated trade decisions are imperative. The episode underscores the necessity of predictable policies, stronger market mechanisms and restrained intervention to safeguard consumers while sustaining producer incentives.N Sadhasiva ReddyBengaluruEthanol effectThe Editorial ‘Sugar trail’ while discussing the sugar situation in the country, points to the incorrect estimation of sugar production causing some of the price rise.However, the issue of diverting sugarcane for ethanol production must be considered carefully. Environmental sustainability is one dimension. Should we grow highly water intensive crops like sugarcane and rice to produce ethanol rather than feed the population? While the crude oil import saving is indeed valuable, should it come at the cost of food security?A related point is water intensity of our exports. When we export 1 kg of rice, we give away about 4,000 litres of water for free. Since many regions are facing critical water shortages, this needs to evaluated.V VijaykumarPunePublished on August 27, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }