We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
India’s Soyoil Imports Surge as Sunflower Oil Supplies Tighten
India is preparing to bring in a record volume of soyoil this August, with refiners stepping up purchases ahead of the festive season. Lower prices and growing uncertainty over sunflower oil supplies from the Black Sea region are making soyoil an increasingly attractive option.
Soyoil imports are expected to reach around 620,000 metric tons this month, well above the monthly average of about 424,500 tons recorded during the current marketing year, which began in November.
The shift comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to interfere with shipments through the Black Sea. Damage and disruption around ports and maritime routes have affected the movement of vegetable oils, creating supply concerns for Indian buyers.
Sunflower oil imports are estimated at only about 180,000 tons in August, marking their weakest level since February. Nearly 150,000 tons of sunflower oil scheduled for August and September deliveries have reportedly faced delays.
The impact is being felt strongly in southern India, where sunflower oil has traditionally been popular. With supplies becoming less predictable, refiners are increasingly replacing part of their requirements with soyoil. Shipments are now also reaching southern ports such as Krishnapatnam and Kakinada, alongside major western gateways including Kandla and JNPT.
Soyoil Gains on Price Advantage
Soyoil has also become more competitive against palm oil. Its price premium has fallen to roughly $50 per ton from more than $100 in April. Meanwhile, palm oil prices have strengthened amid concerns over weather-related production risks and Indonesia’s increased use of palm oil for biofuel.
Market participants expect India’s soyoil purchases to remain strong in September, potentially crossing 600,000 tons. The country has already booked nearly 1.4 million tons for delivery between September and December.
Although Argentina and Brazil remain important suppliers, Indian buyers are turning to China, Egypt, Thailand and Turkey for quicker cargoes.
With domestic oilseed output facing weather-related uncertainty, refiners are securing supplies well ahead of demand. For late-year deliveries, soyoil and palm oil are now landing at nearly similar costs, while sunflower oil remains significantly more expensive, further strengthening the case for soyoil.
