India’s sunflower oil imports dropped sharply in February as rising global prices and supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia weighed on shipments, according to trade sources.
Industry estimates indicate that India’s sunflower oil imports fell by nearly half compared with the previous month, as buyers cut purchases amid a steep increase in prices and uncertainty in global supply chains. The surge in costs has made sunflower oil less competitive compared with other edible oils in the domestic market.
Traders said the geopolitical situation in the region has affected shipping routes and freight costs, adding further pressure on importers. Higher logistics expenses and concerns over delivery timelines have prompted Indian buyers to slow new purchases and rely more on existing inventories.
India is one of the world’s largest importers of edible oils, sourcing sunflower oil mainly from Black Sea suppliers such as Ukraine and Russia. Any disruption in global trade routes or price volatility can quickly influence India’s import volumes and purchasing strategies.
Market participants noted that refiners in India are increasingly turning to alternative edible oils such as palm and soybean oil when sunflower oil prices rise sharply. This shift in demand can alter global edible oil trade flows and affect price dynamics across multiple markets.
Analysts say import trends in the coming months will depend on price movements, freight costs and the evolution of geopolitical tensions that are currently affecting shipping networks and commodity markets worldwide.