Import of edible oils is increasing due to huge increase in per capita consumption

25-Mar-2025 08:39 PM

Rising Edible Oil Imports Due to Increased Per Capita Consumption

📍 Key Insights:
📌 Surging Consumption – India's per capita edible oil consumption has increased 8 times since 1960-61.
📌 Import Dependency – Nearly 60% of India's edible oil demand is met through imports, leading to high foreign expenditure.
📌 Changing Diet & Lifestyle – Higher urbanization, income growth, and dietary changes are key drivers of rising oil consumption.

🔹 Consumption Trends Over Time:
✔️ 1960-61 → 3.2 kg per person
✔️ 1980-81 → 3.8 kg
✔️ 2000-01 → 8.2 kg
✔️ 2020-21 → 19.7 kg
✔️ 2024-25 (Projected) → 25.3 kg
✔️ 2030-31 (Projected) → 40.3 kg

🔹 Challenges & Impact:
⚠️ Increased Imports – Due to stagnant domestic production, India relies on foreign imports to meet demand.
⚠️ Economic Burden – High import costs put pressure on national expenditure.
⚠️ Policy Concern – Government and industry must boost domestic production to reduce dependency on imports.

💡 Conclusion: India’s growing edible oil consumption requires urgent policy action, including promoting oilseed cultivation, reducing import reliance, and developing sustainable production methods.