India considers raising vegetable oil Import duties to support farmers

India is considering a proposal from its domestic vegetable oil industry to raise import duties, according to Bloomberg. The move could mark another step in a broader push to increase tariffs on key commodities, following a recent hike in gold duties.

Officials are reportedly assessing whether higher import taxes could help local farmers secure better prices for their crops. No final decision has been made yet, and discussions remain ongoing behind closed doors.

The deliberations come as the government intensifies efforts to reduce foreign exchange outflows, which have put pressure on the rupee — Asia’s worst-performing currency this year. At the same time, New Delhi is stepping up its push to reduce dependence on imports of key goods, including edible oils, fertilizers, and crude oil.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously urged consumers and industry to cut reliance on imported products, including vegetable oils. India currently imports around 60% of its edible oil needs, leaving the market highly exposed to global price swings.

Global vegetable oil prices have already been rising due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and increased biofuel demand in Southeast Asia. Palm oil, the world’s most widely used edible oil, has gained about 12% since the conflict began.

Analysts say a potential tariff hike in India could influence global demand and temporarily cool the recent rally in vegetable oil prices.

Tags: soybean oil, India, palm oil, edible oils, duties, sunflower oil