Edible Oil Imports Projected to Decline in June Due to Palm Oil Trends

02-Jul-2026 07:38 PM

Mumbai: While the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) is expected to release its monthly report—containing comprehensive details on edible oil imports for June—around mid-July, preliminary estimates by industry analysts indicate that palm oil imports dropped to a 14-month low in June 2026.

According to analysts, this decline is driven by two factors: relatively weak domestic demand for palm oil and a significant narrowing of the price gap between palm oil and soybean oil. Palm oil imports are estimated to have fallen by 10.5 percent in June compared to May, settling at 4.92 lakh tonnes—the lowest level since April 2025.

Similarly, during the period under review, soybean oil imports are projected to have dropped by 23 percent to 3.81 lakh tonnes, while sunflower oil imports are expected to have fallen by 17.5 percent to 2.44 lakh tonnes. Sunflower oil imports hit a three-month low.

With imports of all three major oils declining, total edible oil imports for June are estimated to have fallen to around 11 lakh tonnes, a 16.6 percent decrease from May's import figures.

This aggregate import figure excludes duty-free edible oil sourced from India's northern neighbor, Nepal. Edible oil is imported from Nepal via cross-border roadways and is exempt from customs duties under the SAFTA agreement. It is worth noting that India is the world's largest importer of edible oils.