Overview
- Official data for January–July 2025 show India imported 1.3 million tonnes of sunflower oil worth $1.6 billion, with Russia supplying $815 million, Ukraine $374 million and Argentina $196 million.
- India’s purchases from Russia reached about 2.09 million tonnes in 2024, lifting Russia’s share of India’s sunflower oil imports to roughly 56% from about 10% in 2021.
- Ukrainian shipments have been redirected largely to Europe after Black Sea disruptions, raising transport costs to India, while Russia’s assured seaport access enabled steady flows at competitive offers.
- Industry ties have deepened through buyer–seller outreach, including a September visit to Russia by a delegation from the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India to reinforce supply arrangements.
- Executives expect India’s sunflower oil imports to decline about 13% in 2025 because of a roughly $150-per-tonne premium over palm and soybean oil, though Russia’s share is projected to hold near 55–60%.