According to SEA, the country meets nearly 60 percent of its edible oil demand through imports.
India’s dependence on imported edible oils has once again come under scrutiny, with the Solvent Extractors Association of India urging stronger domestic production of oilseeds and greater awareness around consumption patterns to ease long-term pressure on the economy.
According to SEA, the country meets nearly 60 percent of its edible oil demand through imports. In the 2024–25 marketing year, India brought in around 1.6 crore tonnes of edible oil valued at nearly Rs 1.61 lakh crore, making it highly vulnerable to global price movements and freight cost fluctuations.
The association warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, along with disruptions in global supply chains, El Niño conditions, biodiesel policy shifts in Southeast Asia, and currency depreciation, have collectively pushed up import costs and widened pressure on foreign exchange outflows.
SEA President Sanjeev Asthana has recommended long-term measures including boosting oilseed production, modern farming adoption, policy support for farmers, export incentives for oil cake, and improved port handling for edible oil shipments to strengthen supply security.
