The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices has sparked concerns among traders and market experts in Jaipur about a possible rise in retail prices of essential food commodities, including edible oils, pulses, and rice. Traders indicate that rising transportation and logistics costs are beginning to affect wholesale markets, and consumers may soon feel the impact on household grocery bills.
Edible Oils Under Pressure
Market experts report that edible oils are already under pressure due to rising international palm oil prices. If freight and fuel costs continue to climb, pulses and rice may also become costlier. They warn that sustained hikes in fuel prices are likely to translate into higher prices of daily essentials in local markets over the coming weeks.
Current Retail Prices in Jaipur
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.
Wholesalers Voice Concerns
Wholesaler Ram Agarwal stated, “Minor increases in wholesale and retail prices of edible oils and pulses are already being witnessed. Transportation costs have started affecting the supply chain.” Another wholesaler, Tarun Sharma, added, “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 increased as consumers anticipate price hikes. Nand Lal Jhalani, a wholesaler at Chandpole Bazaar, noted, “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 the government increases the prices of petrol and diesel further, which is likely, it will surely impact the prices of grocery items.”
