The Indian crude sunflower oil market has experienced notable price fluctuations over the past year, driven by global supply dynamics, import costs, and domestic demand patterns and now mixed with season demand.

In September 2024, crude sunflower oil prices in India averaged around INR 105 per Kg. However, by June 2025, prices had climbed to approximately ₹125 per kilogram and further strengthened to ₹134 per kilogram by mid-September 2025. This steady upward trend reflects both higher international prices and persistent demand from the edible oil sector.

Figure 1: For full price fluctuation reach out to ALCHEMPro team, Fiber2Fashion

On the import front, CFR India prices of crude sunflower oil stood at ₹90 per kilogram in September 2024. Import costs subsequently increased to ₹106 per kilogram in Jun 2025, before reaching ₹114 per kilogram in September 2025. The gap between international and domestic prices highlights elevated freight, currency fluctuations, and supply-side constraints from major exporting countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina.

India Edible Oil Stock and Crude Sunflower Oil Import
According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA), the stock of sunflower oil in India at the beginning of September 2025 was reported at approx. 0.2 million tons on ports. The total stock of edible oils in the country stood at 1.865 million tons, compared with 1.351 million tons in May 2025. This reflects a 38 per cent increase in edible oil inventories over the four-month period.

Crude Sunflower Oil Imports (till August 2025)

  • Russia: 1.20 million tons
  • Ukraine: 0.57 million tons
  • Argentina: 0.38 million tons

Russia remained the dominant supplier of crude sunflower oil, followed by Ukraine and Argentina, highlighting India’s heavy reliance on origins for its sunflower oil requirements.

Key Insights

  • The notable rise in edible oil stocks from May to September 2025 suggests improved import arrivals and stock accumulation ahead of the festive demand season.
  • Sunflower oil availability at 0.2 million tons reflects a stable supply outlook, supported by significant imports from Russia and Ukraine.
  • Diversification of import sources, with Argentina contributing meaningfully, indicates an attempt to reduce over-dependence on any single region.

India, being one of the largest importers of sunflower oil, remains highly sensitive to global market conditions. The rise in crude import costs has directly impacted domestic refined sunflower oil prices, making the commodity more expensive for consumers.