Decline of about 7 percent in edible oil imports in September

Mumbai. Edible oil imports into India in September 2026 saw a decline of approximately 7 percent compared to September 2025. This period witnessed a significant drop in the imports of crude palm oil (CPO), RBD palmolein, and crude sunflower oil, while imports of crude degummed soybean oil saw an increase.

Data compiled by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) indicates that total edible oil imports into India during the month under review fell by 6.83 percent—from 1,658,553 tonnes to 1,544,447 tonnes. Specifically, imports of crude palm oil (CPO) slipped from 824,761 tonnes to 809,912 tonnes; RBD palmolein imports dropped from 4,000 tonnes to 2,905 tonnes; and crude sunflower oil imports fell sharply from 272,386 tonnes to 104,984 tonnes. Conversely, imports of crude degummed soybean oil rose from 505,240 tonnes to 540,626 tonnes.

The Black Sea region’s maritime routes have become unsafe for commercial shipping, which has largely obstructed sunflower oil shipments from Russia and Ukraine. In September, such imports were sourced primarily from Argentina. Meanwhile, importers of RBD palmolein are currently facing thin profit margins.