PM Modi Urges Indians to Reduce Cooking Oil Use to Curb Imports, Promote Health

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian households to reduce their consumption of cooking oil, linking the appeal to national economic stability and public health. The government cited India's $19.5 billion edible oil import bill in 2025-26 as a key driver, noting that high import levels strain foreign exchange reserves and widen the current account deficit. Modi also encouraged reduced fuel use and restraint in gold purchases, all aimed at limiting non-essential imports amid global trade disruptions from the Iran conflict.

The call follows a consistent message from Modi in previous speeches and Mann Ki Baat episodes, where he has advocated for oil moderation for health reasons. This time, officials say the appeal serves a dual purpose: lowering foreign exchange outflows and curbing the rise of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Health experts, including Dr. Sujit Paul of Zota Healthcare Ltd., support the message, emphasizing that traditional Indian cooking methods like steaming, pressure-cooking, and roasting require minimal oil and preserve nutrition.

Experts stress that the goal is not elimination but moderation, promoting alternatives such as curd-based gravies, coconut milk, nut pastes, and flavoring with herbs and spices. Dr. Sameer Bhati, a public health analyst, said the shift is already visible in some households adopting air-frying, grilling, and fermentation. He noted that even small reductions in oil use across millions of homes could significantly reduce import dependence and improve population health.

The government has not announced new policy measures or import curbs, focusing instead on behavioral change at the household level. Officials said the success of the initiative will depend on public awareness and sustained adoption of healthier cooking practices. The finance ministry will review edible oil import trends in the next quarterly economic report.