'SEA' Expresses Positive View on PM's Call to Reduce Edible Oil Consumption

11-May-2026 07:22 PM

Hyderabad. The Honorable Prime Minister has emphasized the need to curb domestic consumption of edible oils with the twin objectives of improving the health of common consumers and saving precious foreign exchange. India remains the world's largest importer of edible oils, as its domestic production falls significantly short of meeting the existing demand and consumption levels.

Responding positively to the Prime Minister's appeal, a leading industry body—the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA)—stated, "It is better to take precautionary measures in the present than to struggle against a future crisis." The Prime Minister's appeal holds profound economic and strategic significance.

According to the Association's Executive Director, new risks are emerging due to increasing uncertainties regarding weather and climate, complexities in supply chains arising from the growing use of edible oils in biodiesel across various nations, and geopolitical tensions.

It is, perhaps, the opportune moment for the country to become vigilant about the future and begin adopting long-term measures. In this context, there is an urgent need to simultaneously boost domestic production of oilseeds and oils on one hand, and to keep the consumption of edible oils balanced on the other.

The threat of El Niño looms ahead, while the crisis in West Asia persists. The import of edible oils has become expensive and is also facing disruptions. India must bring its imports of edible oils under control.