9 July 2016: India benefits from little price increase in palm oil, eye on Africa, domestic oil palm
The other oil: How a product almost entirely imported has defied food inflation by Harish Damodaran July 3, 2016 -- It costs the country roughly $10.5 billion in annual forex outgo, yet hardly attracts the kind of editorial commentary that oil, gold, mobiles, coal and other big-ticket import items do. Like petroleum, it is also shipped in tankers — typically Handymax/Supramax vessels of 15,000-50,000 tonnes capacity — and processed in giant refineries. But unlike regular “commodities”, there are strong regional patterns and preferences dictating its consumption. And most important, it’s indispensable to any meal, even while being a rare food article that has recorded very little price increase in recent times. India is the world’s second largest consumer of edible oil — the “other oil” that is used to deep fry our pooris and rohu fish, make the tadka/chounk tempering to add flavour and aroma to dals, and impart necessary texture, mouth-feel and bite to biscuits and cookies. Like petroleum, this one, too, is largely imported: Out of the country’s 20-21 million tonnes (mt) annual consumption, next only to China’s 34-35 mt, 14.5-15.5 mt is imported. The evolution of this consumption is itself a story worth telling....http://indianexpress.com/article/business/commodities/edible-oil-import-india-food-inflation-2890198/
Modi’s African Safari May Yield Major Economic Gains for India by Manoj Joshi July 7, 2016 -- One of the emerging areas of interest is that of floriculture and agriculture, because of the agriculture investment-friendly attitude of many of the states. For example, Karuturi Global Ltd, originally a floriculture company from Bengaluru, now owns a vast land bank, the size of Goa in Ethiopia and Kenya where it is involved in floricuture, as well as commercial farming of sugarcane, palm oil and coffee. Indian companies are also interested in moving to Madagascar as well.... http://www.thequint.com/opinion/2016/07/06/will-modis-african-safari-yield-major-economic-gains-for-india-mozambique-hamid-ansari-pranab-mukherjee
Village off Dudhnoi takes to palm oil cultivation by SIVASISH THAKUR DUDHNOI, July 3 - For the first time in the State, farmers in Dudhnoi and Boko have taken to oil palm cultivation. Started last year under the Centrally-sponsored National Mission for Oil Seeds and Oil Palm, the cultivation today covers a total area of 409 hectares.... http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul0416/at054
7 July 2016: India worries about palm oil in fast food, Canada-India FTA may boost canola oil as healthier option, food safety flap over solvent extraction
Three McDonald’s outlets in Jaipur found using 16-day-old oil by Deep Mukherjee, Hindustan Times, Jaipur | Updated: Jun 28, 2016 -- A routine inspection drive conducted by the Jaipur health department earlier this month revealed that three branches of McDonald’s – a popular fast food chain – were reportedly using oil that was over 16 days old. The discovery has spurred department officials to check if popular fast food chains in the city adhere to prescribed food safety standards. “During an inspection drive on June 17, we were shocked to find that the oil being used by three McDonald’s outlets was 16 days old. The oil had turned black because it was being heated constantly at 360 degrees Celsius for all those days. The management was unable to give us a satisfactory answer,” said Narottam Sharma, chief medical and health officer, Jaipur. There were other problems too. “We also found that palmolein oil was being used at all McDonald’s branches in Jaipur. Palmolein oil is less healthy when compared to other edible oils such as soybean oil,” Sharma said....http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/three-mcdonald-s-outlets-in-jaipur-found-using-16-day-old-oil/story-QfLPlZzUmqrZIxsYULipWM.htmlInteraction prog on prospect of Palm Oil plantation in Namsai June 29, 2016 http://www.arunachaltimes.in/interaction-prog-on-prospect-of-palm-oil-plantation-in-namsai/
1/3rd of what we eat today is foreign Subodh Varma | TNN | Jun 26, 2016 Of all the food grains, vegetables and fruits grown and eaten in India, about a third originally came from some foreign land. In terms of calories, such food items account for 45% of all calories consumed in the country. At the global level, 66% of calories consumed are derived from foreign origin foods on an average as is 71% of production. This data was gathered and analysed by an international team of scientists studying interdependence of the world's countries on each other's foods. The study, covering 177 countries and 132 types of fruits and vegetables, was led by scientists from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/1/3rd-of-what-we-eat-today-is-foreign/articleshow/52919858.cms
Canada-India FTA must to boost trade: Lyle Stewart, Canadian minister By Madhvi Sally, ET Bureau | Jun 23, 2016 -- With India aiming to increase productivity and ensure food security, do Canadian farmers and companies see this as an opportunity to partner both at the farm and processing levels? There are many opportunities here - there's room for technology transfer and ways to expand agriculture products sale to India. For example, canola oil is a healthier option than palm oil for a growing Indian population. The sale of canola oil has doubled and is growing fast...... http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/52876339.cms?
Mixed trend prevails in oil market by Press Trust of India | New Delhi June 18, 2016 - A mixed trend prevailed at the wholesale oil and oilseeds market during the week as select edible oils edged up on scattered demand from vanaspati millers and retailers, while a few others turned weak on adequate stocks position. http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mixed-trend-prevails-in-oil-market-116061800175_1.html
Palm oil imports plunge 28% on higher stock, weak demand PTI | Jun 14, 2016 New Delhi, Jun 14 () India's palm oil imports fell by 27.54 per cent to 6,57,454 tonnes in May, in view of higher stock availability and sluggish summer demand, industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said today. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Palm-oil-imports-plunge-28-on-higher-stock-weak-demand/articleshow/52744206.cms
Palm oil planters likely to increase acreage this year By Ashish Kulshrestha, ET Bureau | Jun 17, 2016, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/52796452.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
India Palm Oil Imports Drop in May on Slow Demand, Stockpiles by Pratik Parija June 14, 2016 -- Soybean oil purchases fall 38%; sunflower oil imports drop. Cooking oil stockpiles on June 1 enough to meet 42 days demand http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-14/india-palm-oil-imports-drop-in-may-on-slow-demand-stockpiles
Hydrotreatment or solcent extraction methods can yield oils with no carcinogenic potential Jun 05,2016 -- Even as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed its central licensing arm to issue a show cause notice to Patanjali Ayurved Ltd over complaints about 'alleged misleading advertisement', it has emerged that the "US Institute" quoted by Yoga guru Baba Ramdev-led FMCG group on mustard oil does not support its contention. Patanjali Ayurved had brought out advertisement in major newspapers saying "According to NCBI (US Institute) Hexagon solvent which is a petroleum by-product is carcinogenic in nature." It further said that "other than Kacchi Ghani process, most of the other edible refined oils and mustard oil are made using Neurotoxin Hexagon Solvent extraction process." It also said "Patanjali's Kacchi Ghani Mustard Oil does not contain any harmful chemicals." Kacchi Ghani refers to the cold press extraction process....."These methods are safe up to a permissible limit. But FSSAI has not set any permissible limit in India," Tijarawala said......The SEA had sent a complaint to the FSSAI stating that "the process of hexane solvent extraction is very well recognised and approved as laid down in regulation of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011" for edible oils. The SEA had also complained to the Advertisement Standards Council of India (ASCI) about the Patanjali ads. In response, the ASCI said that the ad "stating 'mineral oil is carcinogenic in nature and may cause cancer' was false and misleading by ambiguity and by gross exaggeration." The ASCI also said "Patanjali's claims that many companies 'mix cheap palm oil in mustard oil to make profits at the cost of consumers' health', were not substantiated and the claims were misleading." This, Mehta said, "is not the way to promote or market one's products. It is wrong to paint an entire industry as a thug....http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Health/2016-06-05/Hydrotreatment-or-solcent-extraction-methods-can-yield-oils-with-no-carcinogenic-potential/232984
Pakistan - Edible oil demands seen at 10-year low in upcoming Ramazan By Erum Zaidi May 28, 2016 -- KARACHI: The share of palm oil in Pakistan’s growing edible oil imports is expected to drop to the lowest since 2006 in the upcoming Ramazan as the early onset of summer accentuated the drop in buying despite seasonal increase in demand in the fasting month, a top importer said. “Ghee and cooking oil packers have never seen such a sluggish demand over the last 10 years in the Muslim fasting month of Ramazan,” said the importer, asked not to be named. “…this year due to extreme high temperature in summer the consumption of oil has declined.”
The trader said high temperatures in May, three- to five-degrees above normal, slowed consumption demand. Use of vegetable oil for cooking purposes usually wanes in summer. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/123256-Edible-oil-demands-seen-at-10-year-low-in-upcoming-Ramazan
Palm oil industry's profits slip 25%, small firms shut shop By Ashish Kulshrestha & Sutanuka Ghosal, May 18, 2016 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/52322064.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Palm oil analyst Mistry cuts price forecast to RM2,600-RM2,800 per tonne 20 May 2016 http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/05/20/palm-oil-analyst-mistry-cuts-palm-forecast-to-rm2600-rm2800-per-tonne/
Govt allows bulk export of rice bran oil By PTI | May 18, 2016 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/govt-allows-bulk-export-of-rice-bran-oil/articleshow/52331447.cms
Overseas investors continue to shun oil palm industry PRASHANTH CHINTALA May 7, 2016 http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/overseas-investors-continue-to-shun-oil-palm-industry/article8566558.ece?w=alauto
Govt targeting enhancing domestic production of oilseeds PTI | May 11, 2016 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-targeting-enhancing-domestic-production-of-oilseeds/articleshow/52226382.cms
The oil wars by POOJA BHULA | Sun, 10 Apr 2016-06:35am , Mumbai -- What's the healthier option: olive oil, palm oil or local Indian oils? As the edible oil industry confuses us with its claims, we ask nutritionist Pushpa Ladsariya to settle the debate and tell us how to avoid blunders when using oil http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-the-oil-wars-2200096
Oil palm developers hail market intervention scheme IANS | Apr 21, 2016 -- erabad, April 21 (IANS) The Oil Palm Developers and Processors Association (OPDPA), the nodal body for oil palm development in the country, on Thursday welcomed the central government's move to assist palm oil farmers by implementing a market intervention scheme. The scheme has been announced for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of oil palm to Rs.7,888 per ton. Declining crude oil prices over the past year has been the bane of the industry, and has resulted in severe distress for both farmer and industry, the OPDPA said in a statement, adding it has been trying to persuade the state and the central governments to introduce minimum support price (MSP) or market intervention scheme (MIS) to help farmers.... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Oil-palm-developers-hail-market-intervention-scheme/articleshow/51930562.cms
Palm oil imports plunge 28% on higher stock, weak demand PTI | Jun 14, 2016 New Delhi, Jun 14 () India's palm oil imports fell by 27.54 per cent to 6,57,454 tonnes in May, in view of higher stock availability and sluggish summer demand, industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA) said today. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Palm-oil-imports-plunge-28-on-higher-stock-weak-demand/articleshow/52744206.cms
Palm oil planters likely to increase acreage this year By Ashish Kulshrestha, ET Bureau | Jun 17, 2016, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/52796452.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
India Palm Oil Imports Drop in May on Slow Demand, Stockpiles by Pratik Parija June 14, 2016 -- Soybean oil purchases fall 38%; sunflower oil imports drop. Cooking oil stockpiles on June 1 enough to meet 42 days demand http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-14/india-palm-oil-imports-drop-in-may-on-slow-demand-stockpiles
Hydrotreatment or solcent extraction methods can yield oils with no carcinogenic potential Jun 05,2016 -- Even as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed its central licensing arm to issue a show cause notice to Patanjali Ayurved Ltd over complaints about 'alleged misleading advertisement', it has emerged that the "US Institute" quoted by Yoga guru Baba Ramdev-led FMCG group on mustard oil does not support its contention. Patanjali Ayurved had brought out advertisement in major newspapers saying "According to NCBI (US Institute) Hexagon solvent which is a petroleum by-product is carcinogenic in nature." It further said that "other than Kacchi Ghani process, most of the other edible refined oils and mustard oil are made using Neurotoxin Hexagon Solvent extraction process." It also said "Patanjali's Kacchi Ghani Mustard Oil does not contain any harmful chemicals." Kacchi Ghani refers to the cold press extraction process....."These methods are safe up to a permissible limit. But FSSAI has not set any permissible limit in India," Tijarawala said......The SEA had sent a complaint to the FSSAI stating that "the process of hexane solvent extraction is very well recognised and approved as laid down in regulation of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011" for edible oils. The SEA had also complained to the Advertisement Standards Council of India (ASCI) about the Patanjali ads. In response, the ASCI said that the ad "stating 'mineral oil is carcinogenic in nature and may cause cancer' was false and misleading by ambiguity and by gross exaggeration." The ASCI also said "Patanjali's claims that many companies 'mix cheap palm oil in mustard oil to make profits at the cost of consumers' health', were not substantiated and the claims were misleading." This, Mehta said, "is not the way to promote or market one's products. It is wrong to paint an entire industry as a thug....http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Health/2016-06-05/Hydrotreatment-or-solcent-extraction-methods-can-yield-oils-with-no-carcinogenic-potential/232984
Pakistan - Edible oil demands seen at 10-year low in upcoming Ramazan By Erum Zaidi May 28, 2016 -- KARACHI: The share of palm oil in Pakistan’s growing edible oil imports is expected to drop to the lowest since 2006 in the upcoming Ramazan as the early onset of summer accentuated the drop in buying despite seasonal increase in demand in the fasting month, a top importer said. “Ghee and cooking oil packers have never seen such a sluggish demand over the last 10 years in the Muslim fasting month of Ramazan,” said the importer, asked not to be named. “…this year due to extreme high temperature in summer the consumption of oil has declined.”
The trader said high temperatures in May, three- to five-degrees above normal, slowed consumption demand. Use of vegetable oil for cooking purposes usually wanes in summer. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/123256-Edible-oil-demands-seen-at-10-year-low-in-upcoming-Ramazan
Palm oil industry's profits slip 25%, small firms shut shop By Ashish Kulshrestha & Sutanuka Ghosal, May 18, 2016 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/52322064.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Palm oil analyst Mistry cuts price forecast to RM2,600-RM2,800 per tonne 20 May 2016 http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/05/20/palm-oil-analyst-mistry-cuts-palm-forecast-to-rm2600-rm2800-per-tonne/
Govt allows bulk export of rice bran oil By PTI | May 18, 2016 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/govt-allows-bulk-export-of-rice-bran-oil/articleshow/52331447.cms
Overseas investors continue to shun oil palm industry PRASHANTH CHINTALA May 7, 2016 http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/overseas-investors-continue-to-shun-oil-palm-industry/article8566558.ece?w=alauto
Govt targeting enhancing domestic production of oilseeds PTI | May 11, 2016 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-targeting-enhancing-domestic-production-of-oilseeds/articleshow/52226382.cms
The oil wars by POOJA BHULA | Sun, 10 Apr 2016-06:35am , Mumbai -- What's the healthier option: olive oil, palm oil or local Indian oils? As the edible oil industry confuses us with its claims, we ask nutritionist Pushpa Ladsariya to settle the debate and tell us how to avoid blunders when using oil http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-the-oil-wars-2200096
Oil palm developers hail market intervention scheme IANS | Apr 21, 2016 -- erabad, April 21 (IANS) The Oil Palm Developers and Processors Association (OPDPA), the nodal body for oil palm development in the country, on Thursday welcomed the central government's move to assist palm oil farmers by implementing a market intervention scheme. The scheme has been announced for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of oil palm to Rs.7,888 per ton. Declining crude oil prices over the past year has been the bane of the industry, and has resulted in severe distress for both farmer and industry, the OPDPA said in a statement, adding it has been trying to persuade the state and the central governments to introduce minimum support price (MSP) or market intervention scheme (MIS) to help farmers.... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Oil-palm-developers-hail-market-intervention-scheme/articleshow/51930562.cms
12 December 2015: India - OPDPA urges government to increase import duty on crude palm oil to 45%, oil palm growers eye coconut farming? Rubber farmers face price problems
India - OPDPA urges government to increase import duty on crude palm oil to 45% By Sutanuka Ghosal, ET Bureau | 8 Dec, 2015... Oil Palm Developers and Processors Association (OPDPA) the nodal agency for oil palm development in India, has urged the government to increase the import duty on crude palm oil to 45%. The government has recently increased the import duty on crude palm oil to 17.5% from 5%.India's current vegetable oil import bill is to the tune of $10 billion out of which 80% comprises of palm oil and its derivatives. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/50090579.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
The curious case of oil palm - The opening of oil palm cultivation to FDI ends the 25-year struggle to convince India farmers by Aruna Urs November 16, 2015
Palm oil industry welcomes 100% FDI but wants land ceiling norms relaxed by K V Kurmanath.. While calling for an exclusive palm oil import policy, the association feels that the current import duty levels are not supportive to oil palm farmers and the industry. He called for formation of a separate oil palm development board to aid the promotion of the industry as planned by the Government.. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/palm-oil-industry-welcomes-100-fdi-but-wants-land-ceiling-norms-relaxed/article7883447.ece
Oil Palm industry demands subsidy policy to help farmers Nov 18 2015 http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/oil-palm-industry-demands-subsidy-policy-to-help-farmers/159535.html
Oil palm growers take to coconut farming December 08,2015; The oil palm farmers are now barely getting an income of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per acre annually. At an average, the farmers get a yield of around 12 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) per acre every year. With current price of the FFBs hovering around Rs 5,700 per tonne, farmers are hardly making Rs 40,000 a year..... Against this backdrop, the coconut farming appears to be a lucrative one for farmers with the availability of some superior quality seed nut and seedlings of hybrid coconut varieties like Ganga, Malayan Orange, Yellow Dwarf and Chowghat Orange Dwarf. Each acre that accommodates 60 to 70 coconut trees is expected to give a yield of over 10,000 nuts per annum, according to a conservative estimate. Based on the demand for tender coconut in the country, farmers will get anywhere between Rs 10 and Rs 12 per each nut.http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-12-08/Oil-palm-growers-take-to-coconut-farming--191726
Indian rubber farmers facing ruin as global prices crash by Subodh Varma | TNN | Dec 7, 2015 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Indian-rubber-farmers-facing-ruin-as-global-prices-crash/articleshow/50077311.cms
Malaysia palm oil - India's demand spurt sparks hopes of firmer pricing KUALA LUMPUR (NewsRise) November 16, 2015 -- A spurt in demand from India may help firm prices of palm oil, even as Malaysia's stockpile climbed to a fresh record high in October and shipments to other top importers slipped. Imports to India surged 59% in October from a year earlier and 24% month-on-month, according to Malaysian Palm Oil Board's latest data, ahead of peak demand during the Hindu festival of lights, or Diwali. The robust demand from India--the world's largest consumer and importer of palm oil--comes at a time when the commodity faces supply glut and lacklustre demand from other major markets such as China and Pakistan. http://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Commodities/India-s-demand-spurt-sparks-hopes-of-firmer-pricing
Govt allows 100% FDI in five plantation crops including coffee Nov 10, 2015 NEW DELHI: The government today allowed 100 per cent FDI in five plantation crops, mainly coffee, rubber, cardamom, palm oil tree and olive oil tree via automatic route, a move hailed by the industry. At present, 100 per cent FDI is allowed only in tea plantation through the government approval route... http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-11-10/news/68165443_1_100-fdi-cent-fdi-tea-plantation
14 Nov 2015: India to allow direct foreign investment in palm oil plantations
India to allow direct foreign investment in palm oil plantations 11 November 2015, But a gestation period of up to five years and laws limiting the size of each palm development have hindered previous efforts to switch to the crop, putting off local farmers as well as companies such as Ruchi Soya, Cargill and Bunge. Bajoria said the government should look at recognising oil palm as a cultivation crop so that local firms can acquire land to grow it, referring to a rule that prohibits corporations from commercial cultivation of oil palm. - Reuters http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/11/11/India-to-allow-direct-foreign-investment-in-palm-oil-plantations/?style=biz
22 August 2015: Solvent Extractors’ Association calls for increase in import duty to 25 and 45%, India's rice bran oil exports to surge after easing of curbs
Solvent extractors’ association calls for increase in import duty on edible oils By Sutanuka Ghosal, ET Bureau | 21 Aug, 2015, 03.34PM IST NEW DELHI: The significant increase in import of edible oils is hurting domestic farmers and vegetable oil refiners, Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) has said and asked for an increase in import duty. The Centre should immediately increase the import duty on crude vegetable oils from 7.5 per cent to 25 per cent and on refined vegetable oils from 15 per cent to 45 per cent, said SEA president Pravin Lunkad, so that farmers get remunerative price for their produce in the ensuing kharif harvesting season. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/solvent-extractors-association-calls-for-increase-in-import-duty-on-edible-oils/articleshow/48580008.cmsIndia's rice bran oil exports to surge after easing of curbs: Industry Executive Reuters Aug 7, 2015, 06.59PM IST; MUMBAI: India's rice bran oil exports could surge to 10,000 tonnes this fiscal year ending March 2016 from about 2,000 tonnes last year after the government allowed bulk sale instead of just consumer packs, an industry official told Reuters...."There is very good demand for Indian rice bran oil from countries like Japan and Thailand," said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors' Association, on the sidelines of the Global Rice Bran Oil Conference.... http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-08-07/news/65318089_1_ricela-health-foods-ltd-b-v-mehta-solvent-extractors
20 August 2015: India worries about adulterated coconut oil, coconut growers seek ban on import of palm kernel
‘Ban palm kernel oil import’ Updated: August 17, 2015 05:49 IST by R. Krishnamoorthy
Coconut growers in the region have demanded a ban on import of palm kernel oil to prevent adulteration of coconut oil.According to industry sources, price competition is the cause for adulteration. Unadulterated coconut oil cannot be sold for less than Rs. 170 per litre, whereas adulterated oil under brand names are being sold for Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 less, the sources said.
T.A. Krishnasamy, United Coconut Growers Association of South India, told The Hindu that in some brands, adulteration was up to 70 per cent. Adulteration using palm oil was easy because it was colourless and odourless, he explained.... Coconut growers, Mr. Krishnasamy said, were upset with the Centre for not following what Atal Behari Vajpayee’s government had laid down — it had banned the import of palm kernel. “The Congress-led government that came to power after the NDA government lifted the restriction and the present BJP government did not care to restore the ban,” said Mr. Krishnasamy.... http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ban-palm-kernel-oil-import/article7549202.ece
10 Jan 2014: India finally increases its import duty after months of lobbying by India refiners. Tax differential between crude and refined increases from 5% to 7.5%.
News and view from AmResearch 10 Jan 2014: Bloomberg reported that India has increased the import duty on refined palm oil from 7.5% to 10%. We are not surprised by this development as palm refiners in India have been lobbying for a higher import duty since mid-2013. At that time, the refiners had proposed an import duty of 12.5% on refined palm oil. The Indian Government has given in to the proposal of a higher import duty but at a rate of 10%. Due to the low tax differential between crude and refined palm oil, buyers in India had preferred to import refined palm oil directly instead of buying them from the refiners. It was reported that palm refiners in India were operating at low utilisation rates of only 30%. Companies operating palm refineries in India include Wilmar Adani and Ruchi Soya Industries. We believe that the increase in import duty would not significantly affect the demand for palm oil. India would still be buying palm oil from Indonesia or Malaysia except that there could be some switching from refined palm oil to palm oil in crude form. Currently, the import duty on crude palm oil is 2.5%. The tax differential between crude and refined palm oil would increase to 7.5 percentage points due to the higher import duty on refined palm oil versus 5 percentage points previously.8 Jan 2014: Editor's comment: There has been long time pressure for import duties reinstatements for India and more recently, a study on the potential impacts of a 20% palm oil tax on health. We summarise the key findings here and we will report on responses from palm oil health specialists in due course. This is likely to be a contested issue.
India palm oil refiners have faced worsening margins and they have pressed for the reinstatement of import duties. “What would be the likely outcome if a scenario of 10 percent import duty on CPO and 20 percent import duty on RBD oil were imposed? Based on past experience, this would not any significant impact on the domestic production of oilseeds” (MPOC Fortune, Mar 2013).
But what impact on the import mix? Medical researchers simulate the effects of a 20% food tax on palm oil on serum cholesterol and mortality from coronary heart disease and strokes in India (Basu, BMJ 2013). Using Indian National Sample Survey data the price elasticities of demand it calculates: a) for each 1% increase in the price of palm oil, consumption of palm oil decreases by 0.71%, b) for a 1% increase in the price of palm oil, the cross elasticities suggest a 0.70% rise in rapeseed and mustard seed oil consumption and a 0.67% rise in groundnut oil consumption.
The Basu study's health findings, including cholesterol reduction 1.7-2% and 0.8-1.6% reduction in heart disease and stroke mortality, will no doubt be contested. It warns that “palm oil taxes might have adverse effects on net energy consumption, food security, or both.” It also points out that “other interventions... dietary sodium reduction (lowers cardiovascular mortality by about 5%), tobacco use restrictions (25% reduction), and increased use of aspirin, statins, and antihypertensives (5% reduction) would have higher impact than a palm oil tax.