India may boost sunflower oil imports by 30% after duty cut

India’s sunflower oil imports could rise by 30% in the MY 2026/27 to 3.5 mln tons. The main driver is the reduction of the basic import duty on crude sunflower oil from 10% to zero.

Lower import costs are making sunflower oil more competitive in the Indian market and could support stronger consumption. At the same time, soyoil imports are expected to decline by 10.7% to 5 mln tons in the new season.

Palm oil imports are forecast at around 8 mln tons. However, purchases could be limited by higher prices amid El Niño-related production risks and stronger demand for biodiesel feedstock in Indonesia.

India’s total vegetable oil imports in 2026/27 are projected at 16.5–17 mln tons, broadly in line with current levels. This means the main change could be a shift in the import mix toward sunflower oil.

Imports could rise by another 1 mln tons if India’s rapeseed crop is weaker than expected. Rajasthan, which accounts for nearly half of the country’s rapeseed production, received 22% less rainfall than average during the monsoon season.

Tags: imports, sunflower oil, India