In a statement on Wednesday, Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) said the import of vegetable oils (comprising edible oils and non-edible oils) during February stood at 9,74,85 tonne as compared to 11,14,481 tonne in the year-ago period.
India s oil trade with Russia is being impacted by the tightening of US sanctions, prompting refiners to explore alternative supplies. While Russia remains the dominant supplier, Indian refiners are increasingly buying more from Saudi Arabia. Refiners are eager to increase purchases of Russian oil, but require US approval to do so.
India s state-run refiners are facing challenges as Russian oil becomes more expensive and less accessible due to higher freight rates and US sanctions. The attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels have disrupted fuel trade, impacting Indian refiners and potentially eroding their competitive edge.
India s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India s stance on buying Russian oil. During his visit to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, he stated that Europe should understand that India cannot have a view of Russia that is identical to the European one.
Indian refiners had stopped oil imports from the Latin American country in 2020 after the United States (US) imposed sanctions on Caracas. With Washington temporarily easing restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sector in October, Indian refiners mainly Reliance Industries (RIL) are back in the market for Venezuelan oil that is likely available at a discounted price.