India's FY26 edible oil imports climb 3% to 166.51 LT as Nepal duty-free shipments more than double

Solvent Extractors' Association data shows Nepal imports surged 113% to 7.36 lakh tonnes under SAFTA, deepening import dependence even as domestic output covers just 40% of demand. SEA backed PM Modi's call to moderate edible oil consumption amid the import-led pressure.

— Filed Tue, 19 May, 2026, 13:54 IST · Source NDTV Profit · Updated

India's edible oil imports rose 3% to 166.51 lakh tonnes in FY26, driven by a 113% surge in duty-free Nepal shipments under SAFTA. SEA flagged import dependence and backed PM Modi's call to moderate edible oil consumption.

Why this matters

SEA's FY26 data extends a pattern of rising import reliance, with Nepal's duty-free SAFTA route emerging as a key channel even as domestic oilseed output stagnates at 40% of demand.

Retail-company signals steady at 590 over 90 days, reflecting sustained sector reporting cadence.