India’s edible oil import bill is projected to climb 9% to ₹1.75 lakh crore ($21 billion) for the 2025-26 marketing year, according to estimates from the Society of Edible Oils and Fats (SEA).
The increase, driven by higher import volumes and currency headwinds, highlights the continued vulnerability of the world’s largest vegetable oil importer to global price volatility and exchange rate fluctuations.
23% to $14.953 billion in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, setting a high baseline for the final months.
The forecast comes despite a notable contraction in recent monthly flows.
India’s edible oil imports fell by 30% in June 2026, led by a sharp drop in palm and soybean oil shipments.
This monthly decline suggests some short-term easing in demand or supply chain adjustments, but the annual projection indicates that underlying structural dependence remains intact.
The import bill had already risen 2.23% to $14.953 billion in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, setting a high baseline for the final months.