Kandla port tops in oil meal exports despite overall decline

18-Apr-2025 08:41 PM

Mumbai. According to the Solvent Extractors Association of India, India’s total oil meal (DOC) exports declined by 11 percent in the financial year 2024-25, falling to 43.43 lakh tonnes from 48.85 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.

Despite the overall dip, Kandla port in Gujarat emerged as the top export hub, followed by Mundra and Mumbai/JNPT ports.

During the year, Kandla port recorded shipments of 14.43 lakh tonnes, a drop of 11.7 percent from 16.33 lakh tonnes last year.

Mundra port saw a sharper fall of 34.25 percent to 9.55 lakh tonnes. In contrast, Mumbai/JNPT port witnessed a notable 70.75 percent rise in exports, increasing from 4.35 to 7.43 lakh tonnes. Exports from Pipavav port also grew by 40.4 percent.

Kandla continues to lead in rapeseed meal exports due to its proximity to Rajasthan, a major mustard-producing state.

Exporters from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana prefer Gujarat ports over Maharashtra for rapeseed meal shipments.

In March 2025, FOB export prices at Indian ports averaged $356 per tonne for soya meal, $196 per tonne for rapeseed meal, and $75 per tonne for castor meal — all lower than February’s rates.