20% increase in edible oil imports, this year there will be import of ₹ 1.75 lakh crore in the country

New Delhi. Inflation has once again started affecting the kitchen budget of the common man in the country. According to the latest data released by the industry organization Solvent Extractors’ Association, India’s edible oil import bill has increased by about 20 percent to Rs 1.19 lakh crore in the first 8 months of the current oil year 2025-26, i.e. from November to June.

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SEA estimates that by the end of this oil year i.e. October, the country’s total edible oil import bill may cross the record ₹ 1.75 lakh crore, which was ₹ 1.61 lakh crore last year. Let us tell you that due to the changing circumstances on the international and domestic fronts, this huge jump in prices has been seen in just eight months. At the same time, experts and industry have given the following five main reasons behind this rise –

Shortage of palm oil in the global market

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producing country, is rapidly expanding its domestic biodiesel program. Due to which a large part of palm oil is being diverted to make fuel instead of food use, due to which the supply of edible oil in the global market has become extremely limited.

Weakness of rupee against dollar

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The decline in the Indian rupee against the US dollar in the international market has also played an important role in this. Let us tell you that due to the weakening of the rupee due to edible oils being imported in dollars, it has become more expensive than ever for Indian companies to import oil from abroad.

Delay in monsoon and decline in oilseed sowing

The uncertainty of the south-west monsoon has had a direct impact on the crops in the major oilseed producing states of the country. According to the data till July this year, sowing of Kharif oilseeds has reduced to only 147 lakh hectares as compared to last year’s 155.7 lakh hectares. Apart from this, there is a possibility of decline in domestic production due to this decrease in the area of ​​groundnut, soybean and sunflower.

Geopolitical tensions and expensive freight transportation

International maritime trade routes have been affected due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and crises at the international level. The shortage of ships and rerouting has led to significant increases in logistics, ocean freight and insurance costs, driving up the landed price of imported oil.

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Festive season demand and low domestic stock

Let us tell you that the stock of the previous crop in the domestic markets is now on the verge of being exhausted, due to which the pace of crushing in the oil mills is slow. On the other hand, refiners and traders are importing palm and soya oil on a large scale and accumulating stocks to meet the demand of the upcoming festive season, which is providing continuous support and support to the prices.