In a nationwide push to make edible oils more affordable, the Central Government has launched a series of inspections at major oil processing facilities to ensure that recent import duty cuts are directly benefiting consumers. Teams from the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD) visited refineries and processing units across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, states that house a significant share of India's edible oil infrastructure.
The inspections focused on facilities that handle Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Soybean Oil, and Crude Sunflower Oil, with officials examining whether the reduction in import duties has led to lower Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) and Price to Distributors (PTD) for refined oils like sunflower, soybean and palmolein.
Earlier, the Centre reduced the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on key imported crude edible oils, sunflower, soybean, and palm, from 20% to 10%, in a move aimed at bringing down retail prices and easing the burden on consumers.
According to the government, a majority of the inspected companies have already reduced their prices, both at the retail and distributor levels. Several others have promised to implement further reductions soon as more low-cost shipments arrive under the revised tax structure. The move, aimed at curbing inflation in essential food items, appears to be making a difference, with early signs of easing prices in the market.
The Centre has welcomed the cooperation shown by edible oil manufacturers in aligning with its goal of keeping kitchen staples affordable. Officials say that the timely reduction in prices is not only helping to stabilize the edible oil market but is also providing much-needed relief to households.
In recent months, the government has taken multiple policy steps to tackle rising edible oil prices, including slashing import duties to bring down the landed cost of crude oils. These efforts form part of a larger strategy to ensure price stability and protect consumer interests.
On June 11, a meeting was held with leading edible oil associations and industry stakeholders, where the DoFPD urged them to pass on the duty reduction benefits without delay. The industry was asked to share weekly updates on brand-wise MRPs using a standard format issued by the department.
The government has made it clear that it will continue monitoring the situation closely. If delays or irregularities are found in passing on price cuts to consumers, regulatory action will follow.
The Centre says it remains committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in the edible oil supply chain and ensuring that policy benefits reach the common man swiftly.
