India cooking oil inflation hits 9.2% as palm, soya rallies expose 60% import dependence

April CPI for oils and fats jumped 9.2% YoY with palm up 18% YTD and sunflower/soya rising 13-19%. MSP hikes of 3-8% and a 10% crude duty cut failed to lift domestic oilseed output, leaving FY26 imports near 166.5 lakh tonnes and consumer budgets exposed to further duty action.

— Source publishedMon, 25 May, 2026, 21:10 IST·First seen Mon, 25 May, 2026, 21:22 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

Edible Oil Sector India · Indian cooking oil prices surged 9.2% YoY in April amid global palm/soya rallies, rupee weakness and 60%+ import dependence. MSP hikes

Key facts

  • 9.2% YoY oils/fats CPI April
  • 18% palm oil price rise YTD
  • 13-19% sunflower/soyabean rise
  • 60% import dependence
  • 166.5 lakh tonnes FY26 imports
  • 3-8% MSP hike 2026 kharif
  • 10% crude edible oil duty

Why this matters

Domestic oilseed processors and contract-farming platforms become strategic targets as 60% import dependence forces brands to vertically secure supply.