The impact of the Middle East conflict has begun to affect the Indian household. And this time, it's not just about LPG shortages. Indian kitchens are incomplete without edible oils. From pooris to parathas, samosas to jalebis, and the world-famous Indian curries, nearly everything depends on edible oils. The irony: India relies heavily on imports to meet its demand, making it extremely vulnerable to global shocks.
In just one month, between February 24 and March 24, 2026, the price of sunflower oil rose from Rs 175 to Rs 181 per kg, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs. Palm oil, too, became costlier during the same period, rising by Rs 5 to Rs 141 per kg, while the price of soybean oil rose by Rs 4 per kg. Prices of groundnut, vanaspati and mustard oils also jumped up by Rs 3 per kg.
