Growth And Instability in India’s Edible Oil Sector: Evidence from Production, Consumption and Trade.

The edible oil sector occupies a crucial position in India’s agricultural and food economy, given its significance in household consumption, industrial use, and trade. Despite being one of the largest oilseed-producing countries in the world, India remains heavily dependent on imports to meet its growing domestic demand for edible oils. This study examines the growth and instability in India’s edible oil sector with specific reference to production, consumption, and trade patterns over the period 2014–15 to 2023–24. Using secondary data sourced from government reports, published literature, and official databases, the study employs descriptive statistical tools such as averages, growth rates, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to analyse trends in domestic availability, per capita consumption, and import–export performance. The findings reveal that although domestic availability and per capita consumption of edible oils have shown a moderate long-term increase, the growth trajectory has been uneven and marked by significant year-to-year fluctuations. The sector remains highly vulnerable to external shocks, as evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted production, supply chains, and trade flows. Imports continue to dominate the supply structure, with import values exhibiting sharp volatility due to global price movements. While exports have grown in recent years, their scale remains limited and unstable. The study highlights the need for strengthening domestic oilseed production, improving productivity, and reducing import dependence to ensure sustainable growth, price stability, and self-reliance in India’s edible oil sector.