In March 2026, India’s total edible oil stocks at ports declined sharply to 609 KMT, compared to 819 KMT in February, marking a 25.6% month-on-month drop. This reflects a significant drawdown in inventories following a period of elevated stock build-up during December–February, when imports were relatively higher. Palm oil stocks decreased by 22.7% MoM to 413 KMT from 534 KMT in February. Despite the monthly decline, palm oil inventories remained 23.3% higher year-on-year, indicating continued preference for palm oil due to its price competitiveness against soft oils.

Soybean oil stocks fell sharply by 39.4% MoM to 103 KMT, reflecting reduced import volumes over the past three months, as well as weaker buying interest due to relatively higher prices compared to palm oil. Sunflower oil stocks declined by 19.1% MoM to 93 KMT, largely due to reduced import momentum. Overall, March indicates a clear normalization phase after earlier front-loading of imports. While total inventories have corrected significantly, stock levels remain adequate to meet near-term demand, supported by ongoing arrivals and stable consumption patterns. Pipeline stocks are estimated at approximately 1.29 MMT, indicating sufficient supply coverage for the coming month.

Source: MPOC Market Intelligence

*Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information from sources believed to be reliable but we do not make any representations as to its accuracy. This document is for information only and opinion expressed may be subject to change without notice and we will not accept any responsibility and shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from or in respect of any use or misuse or reliance on the contents. We reserve our right to delete or edit any information on this site at any time at our absolute discretion without giving any prior notice.

Edible oil stocks at Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) stood at 498,150 MT at the end of March 2026, declining 8.6% month-on-month, while remaining significantly higher by 24.8% compared to March 2025. This indicates that inventory levels are still elevated despite the recent drawdown.

March edible oil import arrivals totalled 207,596 MT, compared to 368,065 MT in February, representing a sharp 43.6% month-on-month decline. The reduction in imports is primarily attributed to the widening gap between domestic market prices and C&F import prices for palm oil.

This pricing misalignment is expected to persist in the near term, likely resulting in continued subdued import volumes in April and May. Consequently, lower arrivals are expected to drive a gradual reduction in domestic stock levels.

At the same time, ongoing price volatility, influenced in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, is reinforcing a cautious, wait-and-see approach among buyers. Market participants are refraining from committing to large volumes amid uncertainty over near-term price direction.

Of the total 498,150 MT of stocks held at Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and Karachi Port, RBD palm olein accounts for the largest share at 50.0%, followed by RBD palm oil at 46.3%. Collectively, palm oil and its various fractions make up a dominant 96.3% of the total ending stocks.

Source: MPOC Market Intelligence

*Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information from sources believed to be reliable but we do not make any representations as to its accuracy. This document is for information only and opinion expressed may be subject to change without notice and we will not accept any responsibility and shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from or in respect of any use or misuse or reliance on the contents. We reserve our right to delete or edit any information on this site at any time at our absolute discretion without giving any prior notice.

In March 2026, Bangladesh’s total edible oil stocks declined by 22.61% year-on-year to 104,116 MT, compared to 134,540 MT in March 2025, reflecting a tighter inventory position amid steady domestic consumption. Stocks were also 23.5% lower month-on-month compared to February 2026, indicating a drawdown following higher stock accumulation earlier in the year ahead of peak festival demand and procurement cycles.

Palm oil stocks rose 11.12% YoY to 99,460 MT but declined 10.52% compared to February 2026, suggesting that while imports remained steady, ongoing household and HoReCa demand led to gradual inventory depletion. In contrast, soft oil stocks primarily soybean oil declined sharply by nearly 90% YoY, driven by reduced import arrivals and weaker buying interest due to relatively higher prices compared to palm oil. Overall, the sharp correction in total stocks reflects a normalization phase after earlier stock build-up, combined with stronger reliance on palm oil amid tighter availability and reduced competitiveness of soft oils.

Source: MPOC Market Intelligence

*Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information from sources believed to be reliable but we do not make any representations as to its accuracy. This document is for information only and opinion expressed may be subject to change without notice and we will not accept any responsibility and shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from or in respect of any use or misuse or reliance on the contents. We reserve our right to delete or edit any information on this site at any time at our absolute discretion without giving any prior notice.

As of February 2026, U.S. ending stocks stood at 1,161,000 MT, unchaged from the previous month.  In Brazil, the soybean market has become increasingly export-driven as harvest progress advances and farmer selling gains momentum. February soybean exports reached a monthly record, supported by more competitive pricing relative to U.S. origin, while soybean oil exports also posted solid growth.  India emerged as the key buyer of Brazilian soybean oil, indicating that Brazil is capturing part of the demand left open by reduced Argentine soybean oil availability. In Argentina, tight domestic soybean oil supplies and firm prices continue to limit biodiesel export competitiveness, despite higher production and rising stocks. In the U.S., soybean exports recovered in late February, driven mainly by stronger Chinese demand, although U.S. origin soybean is becoming less competitive as South American supplies increase.  At the same time, weak domestic biofuel demand in the U.S. has reduced soybean oil usage as a feedstock. This situation is expected to improve once the 2026 EPA biofuel guidelines are announced, which could lift soybean oil consumption above domestic output and provide continued support to prices.

Source: *USDA, MPOC Estimates

*Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information from sources believed to be reliable but we do not make any representations as to its accuracy. This document is for information only and opinion expressed may be subject to change without notice and we will not accept any responsibility and shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from or in respect of any use or misuse or reliance on the contents. We reserve our right to delete or edit any information on this site at any time at our absolute discretion without giving any prior notice.