Edible oil imports down 8%

Edible oil import during the quarter from November 2003 to January 2004 stood at 8,69,620 tonnes down by eight per cent from 9,41,008 tonnes in the previous year. The improved outlook for Rabi crop resulted in lower imports.

According to Solvent Extractor's Association of India (SEA), import during the month of January alone was 3,54,477 tonnes.

Refined oil import during the period from November 2003 to January 2004 rose to 2,02,146 tonnes contributing to 23 per cent of the total import.

This is up from 7,148 tonnes in the corresponding period last year. Crude oil import stood at 6,67,474 tonnes accounting for 77 per cent of the import as against 9,33,860 tonnes in the comparable period last year.

The import of palm oil products during the quarter was 7,65,601 tonnes contributing to 88 per cent of the total import. Soft oil import stood at 1,04,019 tonnes or 12 per- cent of the import.

Non-edible oil import on the other hand stood at 61,287 tonnes during the same period compared with 53,158 tonnes in the corresponding quarter last year. During the month of January the import came down to 17,754 tonnes as against 18,858 tonnes in the previous year.