India is one of the major consumers and producers of Mustard Oil because of its high demand throughout the country. Mustard Oil is an essential part of Indian cuisine, commonly used in cooking methods like frying, dressing, poaching, etc. Statistics predict that the Sarso tel market will exhibit a 4.3 percent growth from 2023 to 2028.
There are different kinds of edible oils available in the Indian market, but mustard oil is the most preferred oil in Indian kitchens, and it is available in different price ranges. The price of 1 Lt Mustard oil bottle ranges from Rs 130 to 170. You can easily purchase it in various sizes from e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Nourish Store and Big Basket.
What is the Market Demand for Mustard Oil?
Many factors influence the pricing for Mustard Oil, like issues in agricultural production, disruption in the supply and demand cycle, disasters, policy changes, traditional values, culinary uses, health benefits, etc. In the year 2023, India witnessed frequent fluctuations in oil prices. The prices are rising majorly because of the growing demand for Mustard oil.
As per market reports updated on 20th September 2023, Mustard Oil price is Rs 12300 / Quintal.
Let us understand all the factors affecting the increase in Mustard oil price:
Supply and Demand
The scarcity of Mustard seeds availability often causes fluctuations in the supply chain cycle. When there is limited production of mustard seeds, it ultimately leads to less production of oil. Similarly, if there is a lack of warehouses and maintenance of seeds, it leads to shortages and stock damage.
Health Trends
People are becoming more aware of the effects of food products on their health. This growing trend about health effects urges manufacturers to increase the prices because people are ready to pay more for products that promise health benefits. Mustard Oil is also considered one product that promises many health benefits and, most importantly, helps in weight management.
Traditional Value
There is a wide variety of edible oils available in the market, but these oils are produced through chemical refinement. Even though these oils are comparatively cheaper, they don’t have a cultural or traditional significance. The Kachi Ghani edible oil has been a favourite oil in Indian kitchens because of the authentic Kachi Ghani process of production. Many people purchase shudh kachi ghani sarso tel because it has been used in their families for generations.
Political Situation
A change in governance often leads to changes in commodity prices. Similarly, situations like farmers’ strikes because of policy changes can also put a stop to the production procedure. For example, if a government changes any policy that directly or indirectly affects their lifestyle, they sit on a strike, refusing to grow crops. Situations like these affect the supply chain cycle, leading to price fluctuations.
Natural Disasters
Climate change is a major factor that affects agriculture on a large scale. It is precisely because agriculture depends on climatic conditions. Minor changes in the rainfall cycle can damage a lot of produce. Similarly, natural disasters like drought and floods can also damage agriculture. Rajasthan is the biggest producer of Mustard seeds, but in 2023, heavy rainfall and hailstorms damaged a lot of Mustard crops. It majorly affected the market situation because 10% of the total produce was affected by it.
Competition
Another major factor that influences fluctuations in mustard oil prices is the rise in demand for other edible oils. For example, olive oil is also a healthy substitute for edible oil, which has a high demand. This demand often leads to a decrease in prices. Additionally, the oil market experiences price fluctuations due to heightened demand for alternative edible oils. For instance, olive oil, renowned for its health benefits, often enjoys robust demand, exerting downward pressure on oil prices.
What are the Health Benefits of Mustard Oil?
It Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Mustard oil is a popular edible oil because it is suitable for your heart health. The presence of Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated fatty acids helps in increasing good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol in the body. It prevents the collection of cholesterol in your arteries and also aids in cell repair.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
According to some studies, Mustard oil can decrease pain in your body by desensitizing the pain reception. It is mainly because of a compound present in the oil called allyl isothiocyanate. This compound is an Omega-3 fatty acid that helps in reducing inflammation in the body.
Antioxidant Properties
Mustard seeds contain various antioxidants like ascorbate, riboflavin and polyphenols. These antioxidants are responsible for preventing the production of harmful compounds in your body. Moreover, antioxidants help stabilize your immunity system, keeping you safe from various health risks.
Good for Digestion
Mustard oil helps in keeping your digestive system healthy by kickstarting the production of digestive juices in the intestinal tract. It also aids in the smooth movement of food throughout your intestine. Moreover, it also stimulates the secretion of bile.
Skin and Hair Benefits
Since ancient times, people have been using Mustard Oil as an elixir to improve their skin and hair texture. It has remarkable antifungal and antimicrobial properties that prevent skin infections and also fight acne. So, topically applying it to your hair will add some shine and moisture, making your hair look healthy. Similarly, if you apply it to your skin, it will stay moisturized even in extremely dry conditions.
Improves Respiration
You can use this oil for steam inhalation. It will help in alleviating congestion and support better breathing. However, you must start by adding mustard oil in small amounts to prevent nasal irritation, as mustard oil has a high pungency.
The above-mentioned points list various factors that affect the price fluctuations in mustard oil and talk about the different health benefits this oil can have. A study found that Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is the best substitute despite the high availability of different edible oils in the market. It is manufactured using a cold press method and retains all the essential nutrients necessary for your health. Moreover, the growing demand for healthy food options is also urging people to choose all the ingredients wisely. So, if you want to find a healthy cooking oil, then Mustard oil must be your choice.