India’s November Edible Oil Imports Drop to Seven-Month Low; Sunflower and Soyoil Imports Plunge

According to dealers, India’s edible oil import volumes declined notably in November 2025 amid shifting demand and price dynamics. Total imports fell by 11.5% compared to October, reaching 1.18 million metric tons—the lowest level in seven months.

Sunflower oil imports plunged sharply, falling to 145,000 metric tons, marking the lowest monthly import volume in two years. This decline reflects changing sourcing preferences and price fluctuations in the global market.

Soyoil imports also declined by 12% month-on-month to 400,000 metric tons, influenced by crop disruptions and rising costs in major exporting countries like Argentina and Brazil.

Conversely, palm oil imports increased by 4.6% to 630,000 metric tons, driven by competitive pricing and strategic inventory rebuilding by refiners. India sources palm oil primarily from Indonesia and Malaysia, and the recent price dip has encouraged buyers to raise palm oil purchases.

These import patterns are reflective of India’s efforts to balance domestic consumption demands, price volatility, and supply chain stability while navigating geopolitical and climatic uncertainties affecting key vegetable oil exporting regions.

Key Highlights

November edible oil imports down 11.5% m/m to 1.18 million metric tons, lowest in 7 months.

Sunflower oil imports drop to 145,000 tons, lowest in 2 years.

Soyoil imports decline 12% m/m to 400,000 metric tons amid supply and price pressures.

Palm oil imports rise 4.6% to 630,000 metric tons, benefiting from competitive prices.

India sources palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia; soyoil from South America; sunflower oil from Russia/Ukraine/Argentina.

Import trends reflect domestic demand-supply balancing amid price fluctuations.

Sources: Reuters, Market Screener, Solvent Extractors Association of India, Dealers’ reports​