India's Edible Oil Imports to Reach 16.7 Million Tonnes by 2025-26, Domestic Output at 9.6 Million Tonnes
India is projected to import 16.7 million tonnes of cooking oils in 2025-26, as domestic production is expected to reach only 9.6 million tonnes. This output will cover merely 40% of the nation's demand. Palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil are anticipated to constitute the majority of these imports. The global edible oil market faces ongoing structural volatility, influenced by shifts in trade dynamics and increasing biofuel mandates, highlighting India's vulnerability to international price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
India is bracing for a substantial deficit in its edible oil supply by 2025-26, with projections indicating a significant reliance on imports. The nation is expected to import an estimated 16.7 million tonnes of cooking oils to meet its demand. This large import volume is necessitated by a comparatively lower domestic production, which is forecast to reach only 9.6 million tonnes in the same period. Such figures highlight a critical dependency, as local output will reportedly cover just 40 percent of the total national demand for edible oils. The primary oils contributing to this import surge are expected to be palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, which are staples in Indian households and industries. Beyond domestic supply constraints, the global edible oil markets are also experiencing considerable structural volatility. This instability is attributed to various factors, including evolving international trade patterns and the increasing implementation of biofuel mandates, which divert oilseed production towards energy rather than food consumption. India's heavy reliance on imports exposes it to the fluctuations and uncertainties of this volatile global market, posing potential challenges for food security and price stability for consumers. The situation underscores the need for strategic planning to address the widening gap between domestic production and consumption.
