May 19: India’s edible oil imports recorded a 3% increase in the financial year 2025–26, rising to 166.51 lakh tonnes from 161.82 lakh tonnes in the previous year, according to data released by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).
The overall growth in imports was significantly supported by a sharp increase in duty-free shipments from Nepal under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) framework.
Imports from Nepal more than doubled during the year, increasing by 113% to 7.36 lakh tonnes compared to 3.45 lakh tonnes in the previous fiscal. The rise highlights Nepal’s expanding role in India’s edible oil supply chain, facilitated by zero-duty access to the Indian market under existing trade agreements.
Industry observers note that the growth in imports reflects changing trade flows within the region, with Nepal emerging as a key contributor to India’s edible oil requirements during the reporting period.