India’s duty cut may support sunflower oil imports from the Black Sea region

India has cut import duties on major edible oils, with the largest reduction applied to sunflower oil. The move comes amid a sharp rise in import costs and disruptions to supplies from the Black Sea region, which remains a key source of sunflower oil for the Indian market.

Supplies from Ukraine and Russia have declined recently due to attacks on port infrastructure, risks to civilian shipping and disruptions to Black Sea logistics. This has increased India’s exposure to supply conditions in the region and contributed to higher import prices.

In August 2026, the average CIF price of crude sunflower oil in India rose to around $1,496/t, up 18.4% from the average level in the year to August 2025. By comparison, crude palm and soybean oil prices increased by about 9.4% and 7.9%, respectively.

Against this backdrop, India cut duties on sunflower oil more sharply than on other major edible oils. The move is expected to reduce import costs and partly offset higher prices on the international market ahead of the peak consumption season.

For suppliers from the Black Sea region, India’s decision could support demand, while future trade volumes will depend on the development of alternative routes and the normalization of shipping in the Black Sea.

Tags: sunflower oil, India, duties