Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were the main customers of Iranian soybean oil during the period. However, the export of all kinds of refined vegetable oils has been banned since July 31. This was announced by Industries Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari in a directive sent to the Iranian Vegetable Oil Industry Association on Monday. The measure has been taken to make up for any supply shortage in the domestic market, as the commodity is considered a staple food in Iran, the association’s website reported.