COMMODITY
SEA urges govt to subsidise freight costs for import of edible oils, provide incentives for export of oilmeals
May-12-2026

Expressing concerns over the trade uncertainties caused by the West Asia conflict, edible oil industry body -- the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) has urged the government to subsidise freight costs for the import of edible oils and provide incentives for the export of oilmeals. The SEA has written a letter to the Union Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, Agriculture Minister and Food Minister on the impact of the West Asia conflict on the edible oil industry.

The SEA has requested that the government should come out with policy support to tide over this crisis. It has sought ‘priority berthing status’ to essential commodities like edible oil (crude edible oil) vessels to help maintain a smooth supply chain. It has demanded higher incentives for the export of agricultural produce such as oilmeals. It said that an interest subvention of 5 per cent for the export of oilmeals should be considered.

The SEA said there should be a provision of adequate and affordable working capital support to manage increased cost burdens. It pointed out that the evolving geopolitical developments in West Asia are creating significant disruptions in global commodity markets, particularly impacting India's edible oil sector. It added ‘Given the country's heavy dependence on imports, the continued uncertainty -especially around key maritime routes - has led to heightened price volatility, logistical challenges, and increased supply chain costs’. It highlighted key sector-specific concerns and their potential implications for domestic availability and price stability.

  RELATED NEWS >>