India can't afford rising import dependence on edible oil: Industry body SEA on PM appeal

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce edible oil consumption, saying lower usage would help India curb import dependence, reduce vulnerability to global supply shocks and save foreign exchange amid rising geopolitical and climate risks. SEA said India imports nearly 60% of its edible oil needs and spent around Rs 1.61 lakh crore on imports in 2024-25. The industry body warned that the West Asia conflict, El Nino risks and tightening global vegetable oil supplies could further increase import costs and inflation pressures for India.