About 60% of the imported edible oil is palm oil. Because India is a big consumer of palm oil.
The average retail prices of palm oil had already fallen by 21.59% to Rs 132.98 per kg on October 31, down from Rs 169.6 per kg on October 1.
The high prices of edible oil in international market has a substantial impact on the domestic edible oil prices
The government slashing the import duties on edible oil could bring down the retail prices by Rs 4-5 per litre
The government has not set any limit on the storage of edible oils to the wholesalers.
India is forced to meet over 65% of its domestic demand for cooking oils through imports.
The decision comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the new central scheme on August 15 during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort
To reduce the dependence on imports, PM Modi announced the NMEO-OP initiative to make India self-sufficient in cooking oils, including palm oil.