In order to ensure the availability of edible oil to consumers at affordable prices, the Centre has reduced the basic import duty on edible oils.
An order to this effect was issued by the Department of Food and Public Distribution wherein the basic import duty on refined soyabean oil (HS Code 15079010) and refined sunflower oil (HS Code 15121910) has been reduced from 17.5 to 12.5 per cent with effect from Thursday. This will remain in force till 31 March 2024.
The decision is expected to augment the earlier measures taken by the government to reduce the prices of edible oils in the domestic market.
The basic import duty is an important factor that impacts the landed cost of edible oils which in turn affects the domestic prices. Reduction in import duty on refined sunflower oil and refined soyabean oil will benefit the consumers, as it will help ease the domestic retail prices.
The import duties on refined soyabean oil and refined sunflower oil were last reduced from 32.5% to 17.5 per cent in October 2021. This was done as during the year 2021, the international prices were very high, which was getting reflected in the domestic prices as well.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is closely monitoring the prices of edible oil in the country and ensuring its adequate availability to consumers, an official press note said.