India’s soyoil imports are expected to reach a record 620,000 metric tons in August 2026, as competitive prices and disruptions to sunflower oil shipments from the Black Sea prompt refiners to switch to soybean oil. The projected volume would be about 46% higher than the current marketing year’s monthly average of 424,549 tons.
The shift comes as Russia-Ukraine hostilities continue to disrupt vegetable oil shipments through the Black Sea. Russia and Ukraine account for most of India’s sunflower oil imports, and around 150,000 tons of sunflower oil scheduled for August and September shipments have reportedly been delayed.
As a result, India’s sunflower oil imports could fall to around 180,000 tons in August, the lowest monthly level since February 2026. Southern Indian refiners, where sunflower oil is particularly popular, are increasingly turning to soyoil to cover the supply gap.
The price advantage is also supporting demand. The premium for soyoil over palm oil has narrowed to around $50 per ton, compared with more than $100 per ton in April, making soyoil more attractive to price-sensitive Indian buyers.
Soyoil shipments are now being received at ports including Kandla and JNPT on the west coast, as well as Krishnapatnam and Kakinada in southern India. Argentina and Brazil remain key suppliers, while India is also sourcing prompt cargoes from China, Egypt, Thailand and Turkey.
The buying momentum could continue beyond August. Traders estimate that India has already purchased nearly 1.4 million tons of soyoil for delivery between September and December, while imports could remain above 600,000 tons even in September.
India’s strong edible oil demand ahead of the August-November festival season is adding further support to imports. Soyoil shipments had already risen 31% month-on-month to 498,881 tons in July, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India.
The latest shift highlights how disruptions in the Black Sea are reshaping India’s vegetable oil import mix, with soybean oil gaining market share as refiners seek alternatives to delayed sunflower oil supplies.