PALMOILMAGAZINE, MUMBAI – India’s palm oil imports dropped sharply in March 2026, declining by nearly 19% month-on-month as rising global vegetable oil prices prompted buyers to delay purchases.
According to data released by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India and reported by The Times of India on Tuesday (April 14, 2026), palm oil imports stood at 689,462 metric tons, down from 847,689 tons in February. This marks the lowest level recorded since December 2025.
The decline follows a rally in tropical oil prices, which have been tracking movements in the broader energy market. As a result, buyers have opted to stay on the sidelines, waiting for more stable pricing before committing to new purchases.
Also Read: CPO Prices Slide on Tuesday (April 14), KPBN and Bursa Malaysia Weaken Amid Global Market Pressure
Soybean oil imports also slipped by around 4% to 287,220 tons, while sunflower oil imports moved in the opposite direction, surging approximately 35% to 196,486 tons.
Overall, India’s total vegetable oil imports fell by more than 9% to 1.17 million tons in March, the lowest since April 2025. The drop was largely driven by reduced purchases of palm oil and soybean oil.
India traditionally sources most of its palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia, while soybean and sunflower oils are imported from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
Also Read: Strong Demand Fuels Double-Digit Growth Outlook for India’s Edible Oil and FMCG Sectors
A trader based in Mumbai noted that increased availability of rapeseed oil from the new harvest season has also reduced the need for imports in the short term.
“Buyers are still waiting for a price correction. If prices do not ease in the coming weeks, imports are likely to pick up again,” the trader said.
While the current slowdown in imports may tighten domestic inventories and lend support to local vegetable oil prices, India is expected to step up purchases in the coming months to ensure adequate supply. (P2)
