Edible Oil Imports Projected at 30-32 Lakh Tonnes for September-October

Mumbai: The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), a leading industry body, has projected edible oil imports of 30–32 lakh tonnes for the two-month period of September–October 2026.

This is expected to push total imports for the entire 2025–26 marketing season (November–October) to 165 lakh tonnes. According to the Association's newly elected president, domestic and global edible oil prices are likely to remain high and firm in the near future.

Palm oil surplus stocks in Malaysia have surged to record levels, while sunflower oil inventories in Russia and Ukraine are accumulating due to major disruptions in export shipments. The SEA president noted that if palm oil prices rise, some traditional consumers might switch to soybean oil.

Regarding sunflower oil, exports from Russia and Ukraine via the Black Sea route have virtually stalled, even though these two nations are the primary producers and exporters. This situation is expected to impact sunflower oil supplies to India, though imports from Argentina will continue.

A sharp rise in prices could lead to a decline of up to 10 lakh tonnes in India's palm oil imports during the next marketing season, while domestic production of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is projected to rise to 12 lakh tonnes over the next three years. Oil palm plantation areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to expand rapidly.

Currently, domestic demand and consumption of edible oils are witnessing a significant uptick due to the festive season. The government has recently reduced import duties on edible oils and asked the oil industry to pass on the benefit of this duty cut directly to common consumers.