Reuters (13/08/2026) - MUMBAI, Aug 13 (Reuters) - India's edible oil imports rose to their highest level in 10 months ​in July as refiners stepped up purchases of palm ‌oil and soyoil to replenish inventories ahead of the festival season, a leading trade body said on Thursday.

Increased demand from the world's biggest importer ​of vegetable oils could help top producers Indonesia, Malaysia ​and Argentina in bringing down stocks and support benchmark ⁠palm oil and soyoil futures.

Palm oil imports in July rose ​about 50% from the previous month to 730,965 metric tons, ​the highest in five months, the Mumbai-based Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) said in a statement.

Imports of soyoil rose 31% to 498,881 tons, the highest ​in seven months, and sunflower oil imports were up about ​4% to 251,639 tons, the SEA said.

Total edible oil imports rose 33.3% ‌to ⁠1.48 million tons, their highest since September 2025, the statement added.

The figures exclude duty-free shipments arriving via land from neighbouring Nepal, the SEA said.

Refiners are increasing purchases in anticipation of stronger demand ​as the festival ​season is ⁠approaching, said Mumbai-based Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage.

India will celebrate ​a series of festivals between August and November, ​when ⁠demand for edible oils typically peaks.

"Imports are likely to remain strong in August, with palm oil shipments potentially exceeding 700,000 tons," Bajoria ⁠said.

India ​sources most of its palm oil from ​Indonesia and Malaysia, while soyoil and sunflower oil are imported mainly from Argentina, ​Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.

Read more at https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-edible-oil-imports-hit-10-month-high-july-festival-demand-2026-08-13/