Archive · 4 Nov 2025
India Increases Russian Sunflower Oil Imports Amid Shifting Global Supplies
Imagine India loves to eat food cooked with sunflower oil, but it doesn't grow enough of its own.
Before, India got a lot of sunflower oil from Ukraine.
But then a war started between Russia and Ukraine.
This made it hard for Ukraine to send its oil to India.
Instead, Ukraine started sending its oil to Europe, and Russia could send its oil to India more easily.
India also found that Russia could sell them sunflower oil for a good price.
Because of this, India is now buying much, much more sunflower oil from Russia than before.
Russia's oil is now the biggest source for India's sunflower oil needs.
India's imports of Russian sunflower oil have increased twelvefold in the last four years.
Russia's share of India's sunflower oil imports rose from 10% in 2021 to 56% in 2024.
The Ukraine war diverted Ukrainian sunflower oil exports to Europe, making Russian oil more accessible to India.
Russia offers competitive pricing and reliable supply chains, making it a preferred source for India's sunflower oil needs.
Sunflower oil is the most consumed oil in India, with the country relying on imports for about 60% of its cooking oil.
- Who
- India, Russia, Ukraine
- What
- Significant increase in India's sunflower oil imports from Russia.
- When
- In the last four years, with a surge since 2022, and notable increases in 2024.
- Where
- From Russia to India, with Ukraine's exports largely diverted to Europe.
- Why
- Due to Ukraine's reduced exports to India caused by the war, increased transport costs, and Russia's competitive pricing and reliable supply chain.
Global Supply Dynamics
India's Market Needs
Impact of Ukraine War
Global Supply Dynamics
The war diverted Ukraine's sunflower oil exports to Europe and led to Russia blocking Black Sea access, increasing transport costs for India.
India's Market Needs
India's reliance on imports (60% of cooking oil needs) and the price competitiveness of Russian sunflower oil made it an attractive alternative.
Russia's Role as Supplier
Global Supply Dynamics
Russia's assured access to seaports and competitive pricing allowed it to significantly increase its share of India's sunflower oil market.
India's Market Needs
India prioritizes reliable and cost-effective sources, with Russia becoming the largest and most dependable supplier of sunflower oil.
- India's Sunflower Oil Imports from Russia (2024)
- 2.09 million tonnes
- India's Sunflower Oil Imports from Russia (2021)
- ~175,000 tonnes
- Russia's Share of India's Sunflower Oil Imports (2024)
- 56%
- Russia's Share of India's Sunflower Oil Imports (2021)
- 10%
- India's Overall Cooking Oil Import Reliance
- ~60%
- Most Consumed Oil in India
- Sunflower oil
