Supplyco cuts Sabari brand coconut oil price to ₹229/litre ahead of Onam
The price reduction followed a ministerial decision and applies to a combination pack comprising subsidised and non-subsidised portions
Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) has lowered the price of its Sabari brand subsidized coconut oil to ₹229 per litre for the Onam festival season. This price cut follows a ministerial decision and applies to a bundled pack of subsidized and non-subsidized portions. The 500-ml subsidized portion, previously priced at ₹140, is now reduced to ₹110. Consumers must present a valid ration card to purchase the subsidized stock.
The Cochin Oil Merchants Association (COMA) believes the price reduction might not significantly impact traders, as Supplyco typically lowers prices during festival seasons. However, the move could influence domestic coconut oil consumption, given that retail prices currently hover around ₹300 a litre. The coconut oil market remains steady, with wholesale prices at about ₹280 a litre. Prices are expected to remain stable post-Onam, thanks to increased copra availability, according to Thalath Mahmood, president of COMA.
Supplyco's intervention may help curb the upward price trend, as noted by K.K. Devraj, a consultant to the coconut oil industry. The price reduction is considered a welcome move for households, according to Devraj. However, the intervention might put pressure on Kerala's coconut oil millers, who are holding copra bought at higher prices, potentially making their products costlier in the retail market.
Devraj also cautioned that the government should strengthen measures to prevent the sale of adulterated coconut oil, as vested interests might attempt to undercut Supplyco's prices.
Written by urgent.news from Hindu BusinessLine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
