Kitchen shock for households: Cooking oil prices surge across brands in a week

From sunflower to palm oil, everyday cooking essentials have become costlier as global prices rise, supplies tighten, and import costs increase, putting fresh pressure on household budgets.

Household kitchens across the country are feeling the heat as cooking oil prices have risen sharply within just one week. After gold and silver, it is now everyday edible oils that are burning a hole in family budgets, especially impacting homemakers and daily consumers.

Market data shows that rates of multiple popular oil brands have been revised upwards. Sunflower oil, one of the most commonly used cooking oils, is now priced between ₹1,600 and ₹1,620 for a 10-litre can. This marks a significant jump from last week’s retail levels. Palm oil prices have also increased, with consumers paying around ₹20 more per litre, leaving many shoppers surprised at checkout counters.

Other edible oils have not been spared. The per-litre price of sunflower oil has risen from ₹140 to ₹160. Groundnut oil now costs ₹220, up from ₹210. Palm oil has moved from ₹116 to ₹122 per litre. Soy oil has climbed from ₹130 to ₹140, while rice bran oil has increased from ₹136 to ₹140. Mustard oil is now priced at ₹180 compared to ₹175 earlier, and lamp oil has also seen a hike from ₹126 to ₹130.

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Why are cooking oil prices rising?

Global market pressure:

International edible oil prices have increased, directly influencing domestic rates.

Supply tightness:

Reduced availability of edible oils in the market has pushed prices higher under open market conditions.

Import dependence:

India is one of the world’s largest importers of edible oils, making local prices sensitive to global fluctuations.

Rupee depreciation:

The fall in the value of the rupee has made imported oils more expensive, adding to the price burden.

With no immediate relief in sight, consumers may need to rethink kitchen budgets as essential cooking oils continue to get costlier.