New Delhi: The Central government has ordered reduction in basic import duty on edible oil, thereby to ensure its availability to consumers at affordable prices.
An order to this effect was issued by the department of food and public distribution vide notification No. 39/2023 – customs, dated June 14, 2023, said an officer.
As per the notification, 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% with effect from today. This will remain in force till 31st March, 2024.
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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 which 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 in easing the domestic retail prices.
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Earlier, the import duties on refined soyabean oil and refined sunflower oil were reduced from 32.5% to 17.5% 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.
However, prices of other edible oils like mustered oil, olive oil, groundnut oil and coconut oil will remain unaffected, as there is no change in the import duty on these products in high demands.
Officials said that department of food and public distribution, ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution is closely monitoring the prices of edible oil in the country and ensuring its adequate availability to consumers.
