India's soyoil imports are expected to reach a new record in the 2025/26 marketing period ending October 31, driven by competitive pricing compared to rival edible oils such as palm and sunflower oil. According to Aashish Acharya, vice president of Patanjali Foods Ltd., soyoil imports are projected to rise by 4.2 percent compared to last year's record purchases, reaching 5.7 million metric tonnes. Acharya's company, a major importer of edible oil, stated that soyoil maintained competitive pricing throughout the year relative to alternative supplies including palm oil and sunflower oil.
The company forecasts that palm oil imports will recover from the previous year's five-year low, increasing by 5.5 percent to 8 million tonnes. Conversely, sunflower oil imports are expected to decline by 3 percent to 2.85 million tonnes. Indonesia's growing biodiesel demand has constrained palm oil supplies and elevated prices, according to B.V.
Mehta of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India. Soyoil supplies remained plentiful compared to palm oil, with prices remaining competitive. Mehta stated that higher soyoil exports will increase India's total edible oils imports by 3.6 percent in 2025/26, reaching a new record of 16.55 million tonnes.
India sources its edible oils primarily from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Argentina. Domestic edible oil production remains stagnant despite rising per capita income, which has led to increased reliance on imports. Dealers from global trade firms indicated that palm oil's share in India's total edible oils imports will fall below 50 percent in 2025/26 for the second consecutive year, reflecting the shift toward soyoil purchases driven by favorable price dynamics.
Source: energynews.oedigital.com