Indian Refining Industry Affected by Falling Oil Prices

Posted : November 21, 2023

In a strategic move to safeguard their refining industry, countries globally have started to levy higher tariffs on Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in comparison to refined Oil. This tactical approach has resulted in refined oil becoming more economical, rendering the refining capacity of India redundant and instigating significant changes in the industry dynamics.
1. In an effort to protect their refining industry, countries worldwide have begun imposing higher tariffs on Crude Palm Oil (CPO) compared to refined oil.
2. The strategy has made refined oil a more economical choice, leading to a significant shift in industry dynamics.
3. This tactic has negatively affected India by making its refining capacity redundant due to the decreased value of CPO.
4. By making refined oil the more affordable option, equivalent industries in other parts of the world have been disrupted.
5. This strategic move in pricing has potential to influence global trade practices and could impact the entire global economy, not just India's.
According to data from the Solvent Extractors' Association of India, the country's palm oil imports dropped by 14% in 2019, largely as a result of these changing industry dynamics.
The devaluation of crude palm oil (CPO) in favor of refined oil has created an unwelcome shift in the market dynamics, particularly for India. Refined oil's new status as the more affordable option has effectively made Indian refining capacities obsolete. This economic play aims to safeguard the refining industries at the cost of disrupting equivalent industries in other parts of the world. This strategic pricing maneuver has far-reaching implications not only for the Indian economy but could potentially impact global trade practices.