Agri Buzz: Edible oil imports up 11% on month in April

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India has released the import data for vegetable oils (edible & non-edible) for Apr.,2026. Imports during the month totalled 1,310,193 tons compared to 975,025 tons in Apr., 2025 i.e. up by 34%. This includes 1,307,993 tons of edible oils and 2,200 tons of non-edible oils. In first six months of the oil year 2025-26(Nov’25-Apr.’26), total vegetable oil (edible + non-edible) imports reached 7,937,376 tons, up by 13% from 7,042,948 tons in the same period last year. Edible oil import in April 2026 increased to 13.08 lakh tons from 11.73 lakh tons in previous month (March,2026) i.e. up by 11%. In term of value of edible oils in six months approx. jumped to Rs. 87,000 crores compared to Rs. 73,000 crores to the same period of oil year 2024-25 i.e. up by 19%.

Palm oil imports during April 2026 dropped 34% to 505,000 tons due to weak demand and higher prices, marking a shift in purchasing patterns. Sunflower oil imports more than doubled, and soy oil imports rose 25% month-on-month as refiners shifted to alternatives. A price rally in palm oil reduced its discount to rival oils, reducing its appeal to refiners. While current supplies remain sufficient due to high domestic mustard seed crushing, low inventory levels may prompt increased imports in the coming months.

The overall stock position remained stable to firm during the period under review, with total stock increasing from 1,351,000 tons in May 2025 to 2,123,000 tons in May 2026. Port stock witnessed fluctuations, reaching a peak of 1,029,000 tons in October 2025 before moderating in early 2026. Pipeline stock showed a steady upward trend, particularly from December 2025 onward, contributing significantly to the rise in total inventory levels. The data indicates improved stock availability and stronger pipeline movement in the latter part of the year.

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