India sharply reduces sunflower oil imports due to supply disruptions from the Black Sea region

Total imports of edible oils into India in September 2026 decreased by 3.75% compared to August to 1.5 million tons.

The largest drop was recorded in the sunflower oil segment. Its imports in September decreased by 36% m/m to 103 thousand tons, which was the lowest figure since April 2022. The main reason was disruptions in supplies from the Black Sea region.

Due to the shortage of sunflower oil, Indian importers have been actively purchasing palm oil. Its shipments in September increased by 3.5% to 810 thousand tons - the highest level in the last seven months.

Additional support for palm oil demand is being provided by preparations for the festival season, when consumption of edible oils in India traditionally increases.

Imports of soybean oil in September decreased by 4.6% compared to the record figure in August - to 600 thousand tons.

India purchases the main volumes of palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia, while sunflower and soybean oil are mainly purchased from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.

Market participants expect sunflower oil imports to remain low in October due to persisting logistical constraints.

This could continue to support India's demand for palm oil and help strengthen its quotes.