Pakistan’s edible oil import bill is projected to reach around US$ 6 billion during FY2026.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, edible oil remains one of the country’s largest food import categories, with domestic production meeting only about 10 percent of national requirements.
During July-March FY26, Pakistan imported 3.65 million tons of edible oil, including 0.67 million tons extracted from 2.91 million tons of imported oilseeds. The value of imported edible oil stood at US$3.21 billion, while imported oilseeds added another US$1.34 billion to the bill.
Total edible oil availability from domestic and imported sources reached 4.17 million tons during the period.
Based on current import trends, the government estimates the edible oil import bill will touch approximately US$6 billion by the end of the fiscal year. Total edible oil availability is projected at 5.36 million tons for the full year, reflecting growth of 15.5 percent over FY2025. However, local edible oil production is expected to remain at just 0.55 million tons, leaving the country heavily reliant on imports.
The survey shows some improvement in domestic oilseed production targets for FY2026. Total oilseed output is projected to increase from 474,000 tons of oil in FY2025 to 550,000 tons in FY2026. Rapeseed and mustard oil production is expected to rise from 178,000 tons to 233,000 tons, while sunflower oil output is projected to increase from 39,000 tons to 49,000 tons. Canola oil production is also targeted to grow from 40,000 tons to 52,000 tons.
To reduce import dependence, the Pakistan Oilseed Department has submitted a “Comprehensive Plan for Enhancing Indigenous Production of Edible Oil for Import Substitution.”
The strategy aims to gradually raise edible oil self sufficiency from the current level of around 10 percent to 27 percent in the short term, 40 percent in the medium term, and 70 percent over the longer term.
The government says future growth will depend on measures such as improved agricultural financing, digital farming initiatives, efficient water use, and edible oil import substitution programs aimed at reducing pressure on the country’s import bill while strengthening food security.
