Will ensure that edible oil price reduction reaches consumers: Centre

IANS June 19, 2025 310 views

The Centre is closely tracking edible oil refineries to ensure recent import duty cuts translate into lower consumer prices. Inspections in key states like Maharashtra and Gujarat confirm early price reductions. Processing units have pledged further cuts as cheaper crude oil shipments arrive. The move aims to stabilize edible oil markets amid inflationary pressures.

"These inspections were aimed at reviewing the impact of recent duty reductions on MRP and PTD of refined edible oils." – Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Will ensure that edible oil price reduction reaches consumers: Centre
New Delhi, June 19: The government has said that it will continue to closely monitor and conduct periodic reviews to ensure that the benefits of lower import duties on edible oil translate effectively into lower consumer prices across the country.

Key Points

1

Inspections target edible oil refineries in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh

2

Duty cuts aim to reduce retail prices of sunflower, soybean, and palm oils

3

Processing units commit to further price reductions soon

4

Government monitoring ensures benefits reach consumers

Any anomalies or delays in passing on the price benefits will be addressed through appropriate regulatory actions, according to Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD), which has conducted a series of comprehensive inspection visits to key edible oil refining and processing facilities across the country.

The inspections, which were carried out over the past few days, covered major port-based edible oil refineries and inland processing plants that import Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Soybean Oil, and Crude Sunflower Oil.

Some of the major industries were visited, the specific States include: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, where maximum edible oil processing facilities are situated.

“These inspections were aimed at reviewing the impact of recent duty reductions on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and the Price to Distributor (PTD) of refined edible oils such as Refined Sunflower Oil, Refined Soybean Oil, and RBD Palmolein,” according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

A majority of the inspected units have already reduced both MRP and PTD in response to the reduction in landed cost of imported crude edible oils, made possible due to the recent rationalisation of import duties.

Several processing units conveyed their commitment to implement further reductions in prices in the next few days, as they continue to receive lower-cost shipments of crude oils under the revised duty structure.

The initiative has helped stabilise prices in the edible oil market, and early signs suggest that the benefits are gradually reaching end consumers through lower retail prices.

In recent months, the government has taken several policy measures to curb inflationary trends in edible oil prices.

A major step included reducing the import duty on various crude edible oils to lower the overall landed cost. The Centre has reduced the basic customs duty on crude edible oils, including crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oils, from 20 per cent to 10 per cent to bring down prices in the local market.

—IANS

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some good news! Edible oil prices were burning a hole in our household budget. Hope this price reduction actually reaches local kirana stores soon. Government should keep strict vigil on middlemen who might try to pocket the difference. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Good initiative but implementation is key. Last time when duties were reduced, my local shopkeeper said he didn't get any price reduction from distributor. Government should create a helpline where common people can report if prices don't come down in their area.
A
Amit S.
Why only focus on imported oils? Government should also promote domestic oilseed production. We're too dependent on imports from Malaysia/Indonesia. Atmanirbhar Bharat should mean self-sufficiency in edible oils too! 🇮🇳
S
Sunita R.
As a small restaurant owner, this is a big relief! Cooking oil was becoming our second biggest expense after vegetables. Hope the price reduction stays for long time. Also request government to monitor quality - some brands mix cheap oils to maintain margins.
V
Vikram J.
While the duty reduction is welcome, I'm concerned about our farmers. Must find balance between consumer prices and protecting domestic oilseed growers. Maybe direct benefit transfer to farmers could be considered alongside import duty cuts?
N
Neha P.
Saw 10rs reduction in sunflower oil price at supermarket yesterday! 😊 Small start but hope it continues. Request government to display official MRP list at shops so we can check if we're being charged correctly. Jai Hind!

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Tags:
edible oil prices import duty cut consumer affairs Maharashtra Gujarat Andhra Pradesh inflation control