India's palm oil imports dropped nearly 19% in March, reaching 689,000 metric tons, the lowest level since December 2025. This decline is attributed to a surge in global palm oil prices, which rose 19.47% in March due to increased biodiesel demand amid rising energy costs linked to Middle Eastern conflicts. As a result, refiners are curbing purchases in anticipation of a price correction. Overall, India's edible oil imports fell nearly 9% from February to 1.18 million tons, marking the lowest level since April 2025. Notably, soyoil imports decreased by 3% to 290,000 tons, while sunflower oil imports surged by 36.3% to 198,000 tons. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India is expected to release detailed import data by mid-April. With refining margins for crude palm oil turning negative, Indian buyers are likely to reduce imports further, potentially leading to stock shortages and increased overseas buying in the coming months.