India’s edible oil imports surged to a 10-month high in July as refiners increased purchases of palm oil and soyoil to replenish inventories ahead of the upcoming festival season, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). Total edible oil imports rose 33.3% from the previous month to 1.48 million metric tons, the highest level since September 2025. Palm oil imports jumped nearly 50% to 730,965 tons, marking their highest level in five months, while soyoil imports increased 31% to 498,881 tons, the highest in seven months. Sunflower oil imports also rose around 4% to 251,639 tons. The figures exclude duty-free shipments entering India by land through neighbouring Nepal. Industry experts said refiners are building stocks in anticipation of stronger demand during India’s festival season, which runs from August to November and typically drives edible oil consumption higher. Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of vegetable oil brokerage Sunvin Group, expects imports to remain strong in August, with palm oil shipments potentially exceeding 700,000 tons. India sources most of its palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia, while Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of soyoil and sunflower oil. The increase in Indian demand could help major exporting countries reduce inventories while providing support to global palm oil and soyoil markets. The import surge also highlights India’s continued dependence on overseas supplies to meet domestic edible oil demand.
