News Capsule: Vegetable Oil Imports Nearly Stable in 2024-25; Record Soybean Oil Imports: SEA
13-Nov-2025 12:24 PM
News Capsule: Vegetable Oil Imports Nearly Stable in 2024-25; Record Soybean Oil Imports: SEA
★ During the oil year 2024-25 (November 2024 to October 2025), India imported a total of 16.36 million tons (163.63 lakh tons) of vegetable oils (both edible and non-edible), up by just 1% compared to 16.23 million tons (162.35 lakh tons) in the previous year, according to data compiled by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).
★ Soybean oil imports touched a record 5.47 million tons during the year. Imports from Nepal also saw a sharp increase, reaching 0.75 million tons, mainly consisting of refined soybean and sunflower oils. These imports came under zero duty through the SAFTA agreement.
★ Following the government’s decision in May 2025 to widen the duty gap between crude and refined oils from 8.25% to 19.25%, imports of refined palm oil almost came to a halt. However, duty-free refined oil imports from Nepal increased significantly.
★ During 2024-25, India imported 1.74 million tons of refined oils and 14.27 million tons of crude oils.
★ As of 1 November 2025, edible oil stocks at Indian ports were estimated at 1.731 million tons, down from 1.985 million tons in October 2025, mainly due to reduced imports during the month.