India's Edible Oil Imports Surge: A Growing Dependency

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-11-14 09:45:12 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 04:19:50

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The Indian market's reliance on edible oil imports has intensified, with a substantial 22% increase in value during the 2024-25 marketing year. This surge has resulted in a total import value of Rs 1.61 lakh crore for 16 million tonnes of edible oils, primarily to satisfy the country's domestic demand.

This significant rise in imports has raised concerns about India's self-sufficiency in the edible oil sector. Despite the volume of imports remaining steady at 16 million tonnes, the substantial increase in value highlights the growing financial burden on the country's economy. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) has closely monitored these developments, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the edible oil market.

The SEA's data reveals that the import of refined oils, including palmolein and refined soyabean oil, has increased significantly. This trend is attributed to the growing demand for ready-to-cook oils, which has led to a surge in imports from countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. The SEA's executive director, Mr. B.V. Mehta, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to reduce this dependency, suggesting that "India must focus on increasing domestic production and encouraging the use of locally produced oils to ensure a more sustainable and self-reliant edible oil industry."

As the new marketing year unfolds, the Indian government and industry stakeholders are expected to address this critical issue. The challenge lies in balancing the immediate need to meet domestic demand with the long-term goal of reducing the country's reliance on imported edible oils. The upcoming months will be crucial in shaping the future of India's edible oil market and its impact on the nation's economy and food security.

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