India Expands Domestic Edible Oil Industry Amid Indonesia Export Restrictions

India's edible oil self-sufficiency drive is gaining momentum as Indonesia tightens controls on palm oil and product exports. The restrictions, which include banning exports of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and used cooking oil (UCO), have prompted New Delhi to accelerate the development of its domestic industry.

The Indian government sees this situation as an opportunity to reduce import dependence and strengthen food and energy security. In response, it is stepping up implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oils, Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) launched in 2021.

Oil palm plantations have expanded to about 640 thousand hectares by March 2026, nearing the target of 650 thousand hectares. Crude palm oil production is projected to reach 1.5 million tons by the 2030/31 financial year, nearly triple the current output.