Question : USE OF IMPORTED OIL

(a) whether the Union Government has been urged to lift restrictions on the usage of indigenous or imported oils in the manufacture of Vanaspati;

(b) whether imports of Vansapati from Nepal with full exemption of customs duty have flooded several States and is hurting the domestic industry;

(c) if so, whether the Union Government have initiated remedial steps in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH )

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b),(c)&(d): No, Sir.

Import of vanaspati from Nepal in the year 2003-04 constitutes only about 4.1% of the total estimated consumption of vanaspati in the country.

(e): Does not arise.