India's Vegetable Oil Imports Surge 13% Driven by Palm Oil in H1 2025-26
India's vegetable oil imports jump 13 per cent in first half of 2025-26 on palm oil surge
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
India's vegetable oil imports increased by 13% to 7.94 million tonnes in the first half of the 2025-26 oil year, primarily due to a surge in palm oil shipments. The total value of imports rose by 19% to ₹87,000 crore compared to the previous year, reflecting rising global oil prices and currency depreciation.
- 01India's vegetable oil imports reached 7.94 million tonnes in H1 2025-26.
- 02Palm oil imports nearly doubled to 3.97 million tonnes.
- 03Total import value climbed to ₹87,000 crore (approximately $10.5 billion USD).
- 04Prices of palm oil increased by 14-15% compared to April 2025.
- 05The depreciation of the Indian rupee by 9.2% against the dollar contributed to higher import costs.
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India's vegetable oil imports rose by 13% to 7.94 million tonnes in the first half of the 2025-26 oil year, according to the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA). This increase was largely driven by a significant surge in palm oil shipments, which nearly doubled to 3.97 million tonnes from 2.74 million tonnes in the same period last year. In value terms, the imports surged by 19% to ₹87,000 crore (approximately $10.5 billion USD) from ₹73,000 crore a year earlier. The rise in cooking oil prices has been notable, with palm oil prices increasing by 14-15% compared to April 2025 levels, while soybean and sunflower oil prices rose between 17% and 22%. The depreciation of the Indian rupee by 9.2% against the dollar over the past year has compounded the cost concerns for importers and refiners. Additionally, vegetable oil stocks have increased to 2.12 million tonnes in May 2026, indicating improved supply availability as the year progresses.
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The rising costs of vegetable oils may lead to higher prices for cooking oils in Indian households, affecting consumers' budgets.
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