India's sunflower oil import landscape has seen a significant shift, with Russia overtaking Ukraine as the top supplier. This transition has occurred over the past four years, with imports from Russia increasing twelvefold.
Several factors have contributed to this change. Russian sunflower oil is reportedly offered at competitive prices and is readily available through reliable seaports. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been diverting its exports towards Europe, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges in shipping to India. Blocked ports have made shipments to India more expensive and difficult.
Data indicates that Russia's dominance in the Indian sunflower oil market is substantial. In the first seven months of 2025, Russia supplied India with $815 million worth of sunflower oil, securing the top position among suppliers. In comparison, Ukraine's supply amounted to $374 million, placing it second, while Argentina held the third position with $196 million. By 2024, over half – about 56% – of India's sunflower oil imports came from Russia, a significant increase from just 10% in 2021. Despite a recent increase in prices that has impacted overall import volumes, Russia is expected to maintain a significant share, estimated at 55-60%.
This shift reflects the strengthening trade relationship between India and Russia, as both countries work towards establishing reliable supply chains. India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian energy, and the two nations have maintained close ties, despite pressure from the U.S. on New Delhi to limit its purchases. The U.S. previously imposed tariffs on Indian goods, prompting India to seek alternative trading partners.
Agroexport, the Russian state agricultural export agency, anticipates that Russia will further solidify its position in the Indian sunflower oil market in the 2025/26 season. This is expected to occur as Ukrainian suppliers increasingly focus on supplying European markets. Dmitry Rylko, head of the IKAR consulting company, projects that Russia will export a record 5 million tons of sunflower oil in the 2025/26 season. India is the largest importer of Russian sunflower oil, accounting for one-third of Russia's total exports.
Mikhail Maltsev, head of the Russian Oil and Fat Union, forecasts an increase of 7.5% in the production of vegetable oils, including soybean and rapeseed, this year, exceeding 10.5 million tons. He also anticipates record exports of vegetable oil this year. Conversely, Ukraine's sunflower oil exports in the 2024/25 marketing year (September 2024–August 2025) amounted to 4.73 million tons, a 24% decrease compared to the previous season and the lowest level in the past three years.
During the 2024/25 period, the top importers of Ukrainian sunflower oil were India, Spain and Italy. Despite the overall decrease in exports, India increased its purchases by 44% to 767,000 tons.
