![India significantly increases palm oil imports in May [World News]](https://foodcom.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/News-world_2-1520x760.png "India significantly increases palm oil imports in May [World News]")
- India significantly increased palm oil imports in May 2025, reaching almost 593,000 tons, the highest level since November 2024.
- This increase was a response to record low domestic stocks and favorable palm oil prices compared to other oils.
- Total vegetable oil imports rose by 33% year-on-year to 1.19 million tons.
- The Indian government maintained reduced customs duties on crude edible oils, supporting increased purchases and food price stability.
Record increase in palm oil imports
India, the world’s largest importer of vegetable oils, imported as much as 592,888 tonnes of palm oil in May 2025. This is a whopping 84% more than in April and also the highest monthly figure since November 2024. The surge was in response to record low domestic stocks, which fell to 1.33 million tonnes – the lowest since July 2020, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA).
The increase in purchases was also supported by lower palm oil prices compared to soybean oil and sunflower oil. Crude from Indonesia and Malaysia was thus more attractively priced for Indian refiners.
Increase in total vegetable oil imports and impact of customs policy
India’s total vegetable oil imports in May reached 1.19 million tonnes, up 33% year-on-year. Soybean oil imports totalled 398,585 tonnes, while sunflower oil imports reached 183,555 tonnes. Experts estimate that palm oil imports alone could rise to as much as 850,000 tonnes in June.
Further stimulating purchases was the Indian government’s decision to maintain a reduced basic import duty on crude edible oils at 10%. The aim of this policy is to stem the rise in food prices and ensure smooth supplies for the domestic processing sector.
