NEW DELHI, April 16 -- The Solvent Extractors' Association of India(SEAI) reported that the country's import of edible oils fell by 20% to227,305 tonnes in March, 2002 as compared to 284,589 tonnes recorded inMarch, 2001.The fall is likely to continue in April due to improvedavailability of domestic oils.

For the month of March also, India imported only crude oils with a total227,305 tonnes, up by nearly 19% vis-a-vis 191,452 tonnes in the previousmonth. Import of crude oils has gradually increased due to the lowerimport duty imposed on the said oil i.e 45% as against 85% impose onrefined oils. On the other hand, import of refined oils was nil as against5,564 tonnes in February, 2002.

by: Norfadilah Hashim (MPOB)

Source: Business Recorder

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