IVPA urges curbs on duty-free Nepal edible oil imports

The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association (IVPA) urges the government to curb the surge in duty-free edible oil imports from Nepal under SAFTA, which reached 1,80,000 tonnes in January-March 2025, surpassing 2024's total. IVPA suspects third-country routing and highlights the negative impact on domestic processors and farmers, who are receiving prices below the minimum support price.

IVPA urges curbs on duty-free Nepal edible oil imports
The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association (IVPA) urges the government to curb the surge in duty-free edible oil imports from Nepal under SAFTA, which reached 1,80,000 tonnes in January-March 2025, surpassing 2024's total. IVPA suspects third-country

IVPA Urges Curbs on Duty-Free Nepal Edible Oil Imports

News by dharmyuddh.com

Introduction

The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) has recently called for the implementation of stringent measures on duty-free imports of edible oils from Nepal. This move is considered crucial to protect local farmers and the domestic edible oil industry facing stiff competition from imported products.

Background on Edible Oil Imports

Edible oil is a significant commodity in India, with a substantial portion of its supply being met through imports. The decision to allow duty-free imports from Nepal aims to facilitate trade between the two neighboring countries; however, this policy has raised concerns among Indian producers who fear it may jeopardize their livelihoods.

IVPA's Concerns

The IVPA argues that unchecked imports of edible oil from Nepal at zero-duty rates could lead to market instability. Their primary concerns include:

  • Impact on local prices of edible oils.
  • Potential harm to the Indian agricultural sector.
  • Risk of dumping inferior quality products.

Potential Ramifications

The implication of relaxing import duties on Nepali edible oils could have far-reaching effects. Local producers may face plummeting prices, leading to a detrimental impact on their incomes. Furthermore, consumers could suffer from a reduction in quality as imported oils could flood the market, affecting the health and safety of the populace.

Government's Role

In response to the IVPA's plea, the Indian government must weigh the agricultural economy's stability against bilateral trade agreements. Coordinated actions, such as establishing a regulation framework for imports and ensuring quality control, would be necessary to mitigate adverse outcomes. It is vital for policymakers to engage with stakeholders across the sector to arrive at a favorable solution.

Conclusion

As the debate surrounding duty-free imports of edible oils from Nepal unfolds, ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders will be key to ensuring that both trade benefits and local farmers' interests are balanced. The IVPA's call for curbs on these imports highlights the urgent need for protective measures in the domestic oil market.

For Further Updates

Stay tuned for more updates on this topic by visiting dharmyuddh.com as we continue to cover essential developments in the agricultural and economic sectors. Keywords: IVPA Nepal edible oil imports, duty-free edible oil trade India, impact of imports on local oils, Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association news, Nepal trade relations India, edible oil market stability, protecting local farmers edible oil.