India’s edible oil imports reached a four-year low in February 2025, with soyoil and sunflower oil imports declining significantly, leading to the lowest inventory levels in three years. Despite a 35.7% increase in palm oil imports from January, the overall vegetable oil imports dropped 12% year-on-year to 899,565 metric tons.
This has reduced edible oil stocks by 14% to 1.87 million tons as of March 1. India primarily sources palm oil from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, while soyoil and sunflower oil come from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine. Imports are expected to rise in March as traders replenish inventory.
The declining imports have impacted market dynamics, with expectations of a rebound in March as traders rebuild stocks. Experts predict a potential rise in palm oil and soyoil imports in the coming months, which could support global prices, particularly Malaysian palm oil, and U.S. soyoil futures.
