India’s Vegetable Oil Imports Show Mixed Trends in January and February

India’s vegetable oil trade witnessed notable fluctuations at the start of 2026, according to industry trade body data. Overall imports in January reached 1.34 million metric tons, down from 1.38 million tons in December. The composition of imports, however, showed contrasting trends across categories.

Why This Matters
Vegetable oil imports are critical for India, the world’s largest edible oil buyer, as domestic production remains limited. Shifts in palm, soyoil, and sunflower oil imports highlight changing consumer preferences, price competitiveness, and global supply chain adjustments.

Key Highlights

• Total Imports: January imports at 1.34 million metric tons vs. 1.38 million tons in December.
• Palm Oil: Imports surged to 766,384 metric tons in January, up from 507,204 tons in December.
• Soyoil: Imports fell sharply to 278,888 metric tons in January vs. 505,112 tons in December.
• Sunflower Oil: January imports dropped to 266,575 metric tons vs. 349,929 tons in December.
• February Trend: Sunflower oil imports continued to decline, reflecting weaker demand and higher global prices.

Final Note
India’s vegetable oil import trends underscore the volatility of global edible oil markets. While palm oil remains dominant due to price competitiveness, declining soyoil and sunflower oil imports suggest shifting consumption patterns and supply challenges.

Sources: Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), Reuters, Business Standard