Date:13/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/13/stories/2006011300581200.htm

Back Edible oils import down 12 per cent

Our Bureau

Mumbai , Jan 12

EDIBLE oils imports into the country declined by 12 per cent to 5,47,653 tonnes in the first two months of the current season (November 2005- December 2006 from 6,22,381 tonnes during the same period a year ago.

Imports of edible oils during December 2005 were 2,20,068 tonnes, compared with 3,27,585 tonnes in November, according to data complied by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA).

Refined oil imports up: In December 2005, import of refined oil increased to 20,539 tonnes against 11,248 tonnes in November 2005. During review period, palm oil products imports were 3,76,460 tonnes (69 per cent) and soft oils imports were 1,71,193 tonnes (31 per cent) mainly consisting of degummed soybean oil.

Record imports of non-edible oil was witnessed in December 2005 and stood at 78,692 tonnes, compared with 17,897 tonnes in December 2004.