The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce edible oil consumption, warning that India cannot afford rising dependence on imported cooking oils amid ongoing global supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.
SEA said India currently imports nearly 60 percent of its edible oil requirements and spent around ₹1.61 lakh crore on edible oil imports during 2024-25, making the country vulnerable to global price volatility, climate-related disruptions and foreign exchange pressures.
The industry body noted that lowering edible oil consumption would not only improve public health but also help reduce import bills and strengthen India’s economic resilience during the continuing West Asia crisis and supply chain disruptions.
Speaking at a public event in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to cut edible oil use by 10 percent as part of broader efforts to conserve foreign exchange, reduce import dependence and support self-reliance initiatives. He also called for fuel conservation, reduced gold purchases and wider adoption of local products.