Sharp rise in edible oils import

India's import of sensitive items went up by 11.6 per cent in the first quarter to Rs 4,877 crore (Rs 48.77 billion) from Rs 4,371 crore (Rs 43.71 billion) in the same period last year, led by a sharp rise in the import of edible oils.

Though these imports constitute only 2.2 per cent of the country's total import bill of Rs 2,26,321 crore (Rs 2263.21 billion), government keeps an eye on these imports as they have a significant bearing on the domestic producers.

The edible oil import has increased to Rs 2,802 crore (Rs 28.02 billion) in April-June period of this year from Rs 2,407 crore (Rs 24.07 billion) a year ago. Imports of both crude oil as well as refined oil rose by 15.7 per cent and 30.9 per cent respectively.

The increase in edible oil figure is mainly on account of a significant growth in import of crude palm oil and its fractions, which has risen by 28 per cent. However, imports of fruits and vegetables (including nuts), products of small-scale industries, spices, marble and granite, tea, coffee, milk and milk products have shown a decline at broad group level during the period.

Imports of cotton and silk, automobiles, rubber and alcoholic beverages have shown an increase during the period under review, an official release said.

Imports of sensitive items from Indonesia, China, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Thailand and Australia went up, while those from Argentina, the US, Cote D Ivoire, Malaysia, Benin, Sri Lanka and Egypt showed a drop.