Palm Oil Imports Estimated to Witness Sharp Decline in April

04-May-2026 08:44 PM

Mumbai: Driven by high prices in exporting nations and weak demand within the domestic sector, India's palm oil imports in April 2026 dropped to their lowest level in the past year. According to industry and trade observers, demand from institutional buyers in India remained subdued due to specific factors; furthermore, rising prices in exporting countries significantly narrowed the price spread between palm oil and its alternatives—soybean oil and sunflower oil.

According to industry analysts, domestic palm oil imports in April 2026 contracted to 505,000 tonnes—the lowest volume recorded since April 2025. In March 2026, palm oil imports stood at 689,462 tonnes. On an annual basis, palm oil imports witnessed a sharp decline of 27 percent.

Conversely, compared to March, soybean oil imports surged by 24 percent in April, reaching 355,000 tonnes—the highest level recorded in the last four months. Similarly, sunflower oil imports more than doubled on a month-on-month basis, soaring to 435,000 tonnes—the highest level seen in the past 22 months. These imports were sourced primarily from Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina.

According to analysts, total edible oil imports in April 2026 are estimated to have risen by 10.4 percent compared to March, reaching 1.3 million tonnes—the highest import volume recorded since January 2026. Soybean oil and sunflower oil contributed significantly to this increase.

It is noteworthy that the aforementioned figures represent estimates provided by industry and trade analysts. The official monthly report from the industry body—the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA)—is expected to be released in mid-May; this report will provide comprehensive details regarding total edible oil imports during April 2026, at which point the complete picture of the import landscape will become fully clear.