India’s September Edible Oil Imports Highlight Growing Preference for Soy and Sunflower Oils

Image Source: UkrAgroConsult

India’s total vegetable oil imports in September 2025 were 1.64 million tonnes, marginally down from 1.68 million tonnes in August. While palm oil imports decreased to 829,000 tonnes, sunflower and soyoil imports rose notably, reflecting changing preferences and price dynamics amid comfortable domestic palm oil stocks and festive season demand.

Shifts in India’s Edible Oil Import Trends

According to trade body data, India’s total vegetable oil imports stood at 1,639,743 tonnes in September 2025, down slightly from 1,677,346 tonnes in August. The marginal decline was largely driven by a 16% reduction in palm oil imports to 829,017 tonnes. Palm oil remains the dominant edible oil imported, but availability of comfortable stocks and price factors influenced buying decisions in September.

Contrasting this, imports of soybean oil surged sharply to 503,240 tonnes, a 37% rise versus August’s 367,917 tonnes. This marked the second-highest monthly import volume on record, indicating strong demand for soyoil as a relatively cheaper alternative in the current market environment.

Sunflower oil imports also increased by about 6% to 272,386 tonnes in September compared to 257,080 tonnes in August, reaching their highest levels in eight months. The surge in sunflower and soyoil imports is partly attributed to their attractive pricing compared to palm oil, driving refiners and traders to adjust their import mix.

Market Factors Influencing Import Composition

The softening palm oil imports reflect seasonal demand adjustments ahead of festival seasons and an easing of premium pricing in alternatives like soyoil. Additionally, government duty rationalizations favoring crude oil imports over refined varieties have influenced the import mix, supporting domestic refining growth.

Price fluctuations in global edible oil markets, combined with geopolitical supply chain factors, continue to affect India’s purchasing patterns. India sources palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, while soyoil and sunflower oil imports come from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.

Key Highlights

September total vegetable oil imports: 1.64 million tonnes, slightly down from August’s 1.68 million tonnes.
Palm oil imports fell 16% month-on-month to 829,000 tonnes.
Soybean oil imports surged 37% to 503,240 tonnes—the second-highest monthly volume recorded.
Sunflower oil imports rose 6% to approximately 272,000 tonnes, highest in eight months.
Changing import trends reflect price sensitivity and comfortable palm oil inventory levels.

Outlook

With India being the world’s largest vegetable oil importer, ongoing shifts in import mix and volume influence global edible oil markets. Industry experts anticipate demand will remain robust during the festival season, supporting imports while domestic production and refining continue to gain importance.

Sources: Igrain, Reuters, Economic Times, Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, UkrAgroConsult

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