Imports of vegetable oils into India reached a 10-month high in July

India, the world’s largest importer of vegetable oils and one of the key buyers of sunflower oil, increased its edible oil imports by 33.3% month-on-month in July 2026 to 1.48 mln tons. This was the highest level since September 2025, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). Purchases accelerated ahead of the festival season, when the country’s edible oil consumption traditionally increases.

Sunflower oil imports rose by around 4% in July to 251.6 thsd tons. Ukraine and Russia, the world’s leading sunflower oil exporters, are key suppliers to the Indian market. As a result, changes in Indian demand are particularly important for the Black Sea sunflower oil market.

Meanwhile, palm and soybean oil imports recorded much stronger growth in July. Palm oil imports jumped by around 50% to 731 thsd tons, the highest level in five months, while soybean oil purchases increased by 31% to 498.9 thsd tons, reaching a seven-month high.

Indian refiners are stepping up purchases to replenish inventories ahead of the festival season, which runs from August through November and traditionally brings stronger edible oil consumption. Market participants expect imports to remain high in August, with palm oil shipments potentially exceeding 700 thsd tons.

Stronger demand from India is an important factor for the global vegetable oil market. The country sources most of its palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia, while soybean and sunflower oils are mainly imported from Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine and Russia. Rising Indian import demand ahead of the peak consumption season could intensify competition between different vegetable oils and their major suppliers.

Tags: Ukraine, sunflower oil, export, India, imports