New Delhi: The steady rise in mustard oil prices over the past month has hit household budgets hard. Within just 30 days, the retail price of mustard oil has jumped by as much as ₹30 per litre, primarily due to the sharp increase in mustard seed rates and reduced supply in the market.

According to oil trader Vaibhav Agrawal, the limited arrival of mustard in the markets and the rising prices of the raw crop have triggered this price spike. “Just a month ago, mustard seeds were priced at ₹55 per kg, and mustard oil was being sold at ₹150 per litre. However, the prices have soared significantly since then,” he said.

Currently, mustard seed prices have reached ₹72 per kg, pushing mustard oil rates to ₹180 per litre in many retail outlets. Traders warn that if mustard seed prices do not stabilize soon, mustard oil could become even more expensive in the coming weeks.

The timing of this increase adds to the burden on consumers, as the monsoon season coincides with the beginning of the festive period. With household expenses expected to rise during festivals, the hike in edible oil prices is likely to strain the pockets of middle-class families further.