India’s palm oil imports fell to a 12-month low in April, weighed down by subdued demand and ample domestic inventories. The decline comes as refiners and traders scaled back purchases amid slower consumption and narrowing price competitiveness compared to alternative edible oils.
Market participants noted that higher stock levels carried over from previous months reduced the need for fresh imports, while softer retail demand further dampened buying interest. Additionally, fluctuating global prices and currency movements contributed to cautious procurement strategies by importers.
The drop in palm oil shipments highlights a temporary slowdown in India’s edible oil demand cycle, even as the country remains one of the world’s largest importers. Analysts expect import volumes to recover in the coming months, supported by seasonal demand and potential price corrections in the global market.