Palm Oil Imports Decline 19% in March

02-Apr-2026 08:35 PM

Mumbai: Due to high and firm prices in top producing and exporting nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia, palm oil imports into India are estimated to have dropped to 689,000 tonnes during March. This represents a 19% decline from the 847,000 tonnes imported in February and marks a three-month low.

Consequently, the surge in prices has dampened the interest of Indian refiners in purchasing palm oil. Compared to February, soybean oil imports are also projected to slip by 3% in March, settling at around 290,000 tonnes; conversely, sunflower oil imports are expected to witness a robust 36% surge during the same period, reaching 198,000 tonnes.

It is noteworthy that the aforementioned estimates have been provided by a leading industry analytics firm, whereas the official monthly data from the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA)—which provides comprehensive details on edible oil imports—is expected to be released in mid-April.

According to the analytics firm, total edible oil imports in March 2026 are likely to decline by 9% compared to February, falling to 1.18 million tonnes—the lowest level recorded since April 2025. While the bulk of these imports arrived via sea routes, approximately 60,000 tonnes of edible oils were imported from Nepal via road,

with soybean oil accounting for the largest share of this volume. The reduced volume of imports is expected to lead to a depletion of edible oil stocks, which could, in turn, trigger an increase in imports during the coming months.