File Photo
India’s vegetable oil imports remained largely unchanged at 15.49 lakh tonne in June 2025 compared to 15.50 lakh tonne in the same month last year, industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said on Monday. However, imports of crude edible oils recorded a strong 25.64 per cent year-on-year jump, following the government’s decision to slash import duties.
The surge in crude oil shipments was driven by the reduction in Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on crude edible oils — including crude palm oil (CPO), crude soybean oil, and crude sunflower oil - from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, effective 31 May.
Crude edible oil imports rose to 11.51 lakh tonne in June from 9.16 lakh tonne a year earlier. Leading the growth, CPO imports surged 23.55 per cent to 7.88 lakh tonne, while crude soybean oil imports climbed 30.39 per cent to 3.59 lakh tonne.
Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO) imports also rose 33.33 per cent to 4,000 tonnes during the month, compared to 3,000 tonnes in June 2024. In contrast, crude sunflower oil imports dropped sharply by 53.58 per cent to 2.61 lakh tonne, down from 5.62 lakh tonne a year earlier, pulling down the overall edible oil momentum.
Among refined edible oils, RBD palmolein imports increased to 1.63 lakh tonne in June 2025, slightly higher than 1.45 lakh tonne in the same month last year. Total vegetable oil imports — comprising both edible and non-edible oils — were nearly flat at 15.50 lakh tonne in June 2025.
India remains the world’s largest importer of edible oils, relying on overseas supplies to meet over 60 per cent of its domestic demand.
Source: Online/OFA
Comment Now