Edible oils, the latest big worry in the government's inflation control exercise, seem to be making a big hole in the consumers' pockets with their retail prices soaring by up to 23 per cent so far this year.According to data available with the Consumer Affairs Ministry, mustard oil prices have shot up between 18 and 23 per cent since January 1 across the four metros and some other major cities such as Patna and Lucknow.
The sharp surge in this commodity's retail prices coincides with the latest wholesale price-based inflation figure touching a 13-year high of 11.05 per cent for the week ended June 7, with a significant contribution from edible oil.
Delhi witnessed the highest surge in the retail prices of mustard oil which shot by about 23 per cent to Rs 81 from Rs 66 a litre.
The prices in Mumbai rose by about 18 per cent to Rs 80 from Rs 68 a litre while in Kolkata, the prices increased by about 21 per cent to Rs 75 during the period.
Mustard oil also saw prices shooting up in the capitals of two of the most populous states in India---Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. While the prices increased by about 16 per cent to Rs 74 a litre in Lucknow, those in Patna inched up by about 13 per cent to Rs 72.
Vanaspati prices, however, witnessed some volatility. While Delhi had a highest of over 19 per cent rise to Rs 74, Mumbai saw a fall of over 7 per cent to Rs 63 a kg. The prices in Kolkata rose by about 17 per cent to Rs 63 from Rs 54 a kg and those in Chennai shot up about 14 per cent to Rs 75.
In Lucknow, the prices rose by 5 per cent to Rs 63 while those increased by about 13 per cent to Rs 63 a kg in Patna.
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