Bhubaneswar: The Middle East war has impacted the edible oil market in the state. Within a few days, the price per litre has increased by ₹10-15. Fearing a possible shortage of edible oil in the future, consumers are suspected of buying more oil than they actually need. As a result, oil stocks are quickly running out from the market. Particularly, the quantity of edible oil on the shelves of malls has visibly decreased. In some places, the shelves have become almost empty. As soon as oil arrives, consumers are carrying it away.
Regarding this, Odisha Byabasayi Mahasangha (Odisha Traders’ Federation) General Secretary Sudhakar Panda has said that there is no shortage of edible oil in the state. However, the problem is that people are buying in excess and hoarding it at home. Fearing that oil may not be available in the future, consumers are purchasing large quantities at once. Oil is available in all shops. Traders have been made aware so that oil can reach all consumers. Retailers who were previously taking a certain number of cartons of oil are being given the same quantity. If they demand more, it is not being provided. He said that the oil supply is completely under control.
The prices of palmolein and sunflower oil have increased in the state. Since these two types of oil are used more in the eastern region of the state, their demand has risen along with the prices. There has been no change in the prices of any other oils. The prices of rice bran oil, mustard oil, and groundnut oil have not seen any significant change.
The state consumes 5 lakh tonnes of edible oil per year. People use 1,500 tonnes of oil daily. Palmolein comes from Indonesia, while sunflower oil comes from countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina.
A large quantity of edible oil is on ships at sea. Some of those ships have already started their journey towards India and will arrive very soon. Edible oil ships generally dock at ports such as Visakhapatnam, Haldia, and Krishnapatnam. From there, it is supplied to various locations. All the established edible oil companies in the country have not faced any supply issues. Traders have said that whatever quantity of oil they are ordering is being delivered to them.
