In order to meet the demand of edible oils in the country the Government has taken various steps and has allowed State Governments to impose stock limits on edible oils and oilseeds up to September, 30 2013. Also the import duty on crude oils has been reduced to 0% while that of refined edible oils has been reduced to 7.5%.
Besides, the export of edible oils has been banned except coconut oil through Cochin Port and certain oils produced from minor forest produce and edible oils in small packs up to 5 kg, subject to limit of 20,000 tons per year.
Further, for distribution of subsidized imported edible oils to States/UTs, the Government since 2008 had launched a scheme at a subsidy rate of Rs15/kg. This scheme has been extended in subsequent years and further extended up to September, 30 2013.