In 2025/26 MY, India increased vegetable oil imports by 6%, but reduced sunflower oil purchases by 11%.

In October-March 2025/26 MY, India increased its vegetable oil imports by 6.1% compared to the corresponding period of the previous season, from 7.52 to 7.98 million tons, Oil World (Germany) reports. However, while palm oil imports grew by 22% to 4.17 million tons, soybean oil supplies decreased by 4% to 2.42 million tons, and sunflower oil by 11% from 1.57 to 1.39 million tons.

In March, total imports of the three main oils amounted to 1.23 million tonnes (1.01 million tonnes in March 2025). Compared to the same period last year, imports of palm oil increased by 53% from 456 to 701 thousand tonnes, of which Indonesia supplied 312 thousand tonnes (282 thousand tonnes last year in March), Malaysia - 215 (128) thousand tonnes, Thailand - 119 (0) thousand tonnes.

Soybean oil supplies decreased by 14% from 387 to 330 thousand tons, of which Argentina supplied 142 (113) thousand tons and Brazil – 118 (43) thousand tons.

Imports of sunflower oil in March increased by 14% compared to last year, from 171 to 196 thousand tons, but supplies from the Russian Federation decreased from 102 to 86 thousand tons, while those from Argentina increased from 16 to 45 thousand tons, and those from Ukraine increased from 15 to 36 thousand tons.

The April price increase is reducing demand for vegetable oils, which will continue to depend on oil prices and harvests in South America.

Palm oil prices continue to fall following oil quotes, with June futures on the Bursa Malaysia exchange falling to their lowest since March 10 at 4,456 ringgit/t or $1,127/t.

Falling palm oil prices will increase demand for it from Indian buyers, which will continue to put pressure on soybean and sunflower oil prices.