Indian kitchens are reeling as mustard oil prices have skyrocketed 10% in just one week, touching ₹160/kg in major cities like Kolkata, Patna, and Guwahati — outpacing even the recent surge in gold prices.
What’s causing the sudden spike?
A combination of poor harvests due to unseasonal rains across mustard-growing states like Rajasthan and UP, coupled with rising global edible oil prices, has created a perfect storm. Analysts report that global palm and soybean oil rates have surged 15% in a month, adding pressure to India’s edible oil market.
Impact on households:
Mustard oil is an essential ingredient for millions, from Bengali kitchens famous for fish curries to Rajasthani pickles and North Indian tadkas. Many families are now cutting down on mustard oil use, switching to cheaper refined oils, or reducing fried food altogether to cope with the price shock.
Traders warn:
Prices may remain elevated for at least two more months until new mustard supplies arrive in September. “The market is tight, and unless imports are increased or harvests improve, mustard oil will stay expensive,” says agri-market expert D.K. Singh.
Bottom line:
With mustard oil turning into kitchen gold, India’s household budgets are set for more pain. From your morning aloo paratha to evening pakoras, every meal is going to cost you more.