Pakistan’s edible oil import bill is expected to climb to nearly $6 billion in FY2025-26, highlighting the country’s continued dependence on foreign supplies to meet domestic demand.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, local production currently fulfills only around 10 percent of the country’s edible oil requirements, making edible oil one of Pakistan’s largest food import categories.

During the first nine months of the fiscal year (July-March), Pakistan imported 3.65 million tons of edible oil. This included 0.67 million tons of oil produced from 2.91 million tons of imported oilseeds. Direct edible oil imports cost $3.21 billion, while imported oilseeds added another $1.34 billion to the import bill.

Total edible oil availability from both domestic and imported sources reached 4.17 million tons during the period.

Based on current trends, the government estimates total edible oil imports will cost around $6 billion by the end of FY2025-26. Overall edible oil availability is projected to rise to 5.36 million tons for the full year, up 15.5 percent compared to FY2024-25. However, domestic production is expected to remain limited at approximately 0.55 million tons, leaving Pakistan heavily reliant on imports.

The survey projects an increase in local oilseed production during FY2025-26. Total edible oil output from oilseeds is expected to rise from 474,000 tons in FY2024-25 to 550,000 tons this year. Rapeseed and mustard oil production is forecast to increase from 178,000 tons to 233,000 tons, while sunflower oil output is expected to grow from 39,000 tons to 49,000 tons. Canola oil production is also projected to rise from 40,000 tons to 52,000 tons.

To curb import dependence, the Pakistan Oilseed Department has prepared a comprehensive plan aimed at boosting domestic edible oil production. The strategy targets increasing self-sufficiency from the current 10 percent to 27 percent in the short term, 40 percent in the medium term, and 70 percent over the long term.

The government said achieving these targets will require stronger agricultural financing, wider adoption of digital farming practices, improved water management, and focused import-substitution measures to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and strengthen food security.