Fuel price hike to make edible oil, pulses costlier

Jaipur: The increase in petrol and diesel prices is triggering concerns among traders and market experts over a possible rise in retail prices of essential food commodities, including edible oils, pulses and rice.

Traders say increasing transportation and logistics costs are beginning to affect wholesale markets, and consumers may soon feel the impact on household grocery bills.

Market experts said edible oils are already under pressure due to rising international palm oil prices, while pulses and rice may also become costlier if freight and fuel costs continue to rise. They warned that sustained hikes in fuel prices are likely to translate into higher prices of daily essentials in local markets over the coming weeks.

According to traders in Jaipur, mustard oil is currently retailing between Rs 170 and Rs 200 per litre, while soybean oil is selling at Rs 130-150 per litre. Sunflower oil prices have reached Rs 170-190 per litre, and palmolein oil is available at Rs 145-165 per litre. Groundnut oil remains expensive at Rs 180-220 per litre, depending on brand and quality.

Among pulses, arhar (toor) dal is retailing between Rs 140 and Rs 170 per kg, moong dal at Rs 115-140 per kg, and urad dal at Rs 120-150 per kg. Chana dal prices are hovering around Rs 80-100 per kg, while masoor dal is being sold at Rs 90-110 per kg in retail markets.

Wholesaler Ram Agarwal said, “Minor increases in wholesale and retail prices of edible oils and pulses are already being witnessed. Transportation costs have started affecting the supply chain,” he said.

Another wholesaler, Tarun Sharma, said, “India imports a significant quantity of palm oil and soybean oil, and their prices are likely to increase further in the domestic market. Some varieties of pulses are also imported, and their prices have already gone up over the past fortnight.”

The demand has gone up in apprehension that prices will go up, and retail customers are buying extra. “Our regular customers are now buying extra in fear that prices will go up. This is the reason why the demand has gone up. In the coming days, if govt increases the prices of petrol and diesel further, which is likely, it will surely impact the prices of grocery items,” said Nand Lal Jhalani, a wholesaler at Chandpole Bazaar.