World prices for sunflower oil have surged by 44% year-on-year by the end of March, largely due to supply interruptions following Russia's special operation in Ukraine. Ukraine, a major sunflower oil supplier, accounts for over 47% of global exports. The price increase has also impacted other vegetable oils like rapeseed, soybean, palm, and olive oil. Major agricultural trading houses have invested in facilities in the Black Sea region. India, the world's largest importer of edible oils, relies heavily on Ukrainian sunflower oil. Russia may implement export restrictions to control the surge in demand. In the US, sunflower seed production is anticipated to rise by 30-40% as the planting season approaches, although it is unlikely to significantly reduce price pressures.