Edible Oil Imports Likely to Decline

12-Nov-2025 09:17 PM

Mumbai. India's gross edible oil imports are expected to decline during the 2024-25 marketing season compared to the 2023-24 marketing season.

Although reliable, benchmark data from the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) is yet to be released, estimates from the industry and trade sector indicate a decline of 500,000-700,000 tonnes in edible oil imports.

According to the association's previous report, approximately 14.3 million tonnes of edible oil was imported into the country during the 11 months from November 2024 to September 2025, compared to 14.8 million tonnes during the same period in the 2023-24 marketing season.

According to industry and trade, edible oil imports are expected to be around 1.2-1.3 million tons in October 2025, a decrease of 10-12 percent from October 2024 imports and 3-4 million tons from September 2025's 1.6 million tons.

These figures indicate that gross edible oil imports during the entire 2024-25 marketing season (November-October) could decline to around 15.5 million tons, down from 16 million tons in the 2023-24 season and 16.5 million tons in the 2022-23 season.

Despite the decline in edible oil imports, India's dependence on foreign oils remains high. This Kharif season, soybean production is expected to decline and peanut production to increase.

Mustard production is expected to be robust in the Rabi season, driven by a significant increase in sowing area and favorable weather conditions.

Global palm oil prices are expected to remain high and bullish in the coming months as Indonesia may implement a mandatory 50% palm oil requirement for biofuel production.

India's new marketing season for 2025-26 began on November 1st and will continue until October 31st next year. Palm oil imports may also decline slightly in the new season.