The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD) has conducted widespread inspection visits to major edible oil refining and processing facilities across the nation. The inspections were aimed at ensuring that the recent reductions in import duties on crude edible oils are effectively translated into lower Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) and Price to Distributors (PTDs) for consumers.
Officials from the DoFPD fanned out across key states, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, which house a majority of the country’s edible oil processing facilities. The focused inspections targeted both port-based refineries and inland plants that import Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Soybean Oil, and Crude Sunflower Oil.
The extensive review found that a majority of the inspected units have already implemented price reductions in both MRPs and PTDs, reflecting the decreased landed cost of imported crude edible oils due to the government’s recent duty rationalization. Several processing units further committed to additional price cuts in the coming days as they receive fresh shipments of lower-cost crude oils under the revised duty structure.
The government expressed appreciation for the proactive cooperation shown by edible oil refineries and manufacturers in aligning with the objective of passing on benefits to consumers. Early indicators suggest that these efforts are stabilizing prices in the edible oil market, with consumers gradually beginning to see the impact through reduced retail prices.
This wave of inspections follows a series of policy measures undertaken by the Government of India in recent months to combat inflationary trends in edible oil prices. A key intervention was the reduction of import duties on various crude edible oils, a strategic step to lower overall import costs and, consequently, retail prices. These actions are part of a broader governmental strategy to ensure price stability and affordability of essential commodities for the common populace.
Earlier, on June 11, 2025, a meeting was held with leading Edible Oil Industry Associations and individual industry players, chaired by the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution. During this meeting, an advisory was issued, strongly urging the industry to immediately pass on the benefits of duty reductions to consumers by adjusting their PTDs and MRPs. Industry associations were also requested to advise their members to implement immediate price reductions and submit updated brand-wise MRP sheets to the Department on a weekly basis, using a specified format.
The Central Government has affirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness throughout the edible oil supply chain. It stressed that it will continue to closely monitor the market, conducting periodic reviews to ensure that the benefits of lower import duties effectively reach consumers nationwide. Any anomalies or delays in passing on these price benefits will be met with appropriate regulatory actions, reinforcing the government’s dedication to safeguarding consumer interests through timely policy interventions and rigorous on-ground enforcement.
