Despite the fall in inflation in the last few months, the prices of edible oils and dairy products are steadily increasing. According to the report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), mustard, sunflower and peanut oil have seen the highest faster. At the same time, the prices of dairy products are also increasing continuously, due to which there is a possibility of bounce in future inflation.
Food prices increase: RBI report data
According to RBI’s March 2025 report:
- The Food Price Index in the last one year has increased with an increase of 7.1 points.
- The price index of edible oils increased from 112 to 156.
- The price index of dairy products has increased from 122 to 148.
- Despite the decline in retail inflation, rapid rising prices of edible oil and dairy products are putting additional burden on people’s pockets.
Increase in prices of food and drink
Edible oil price (rupee per liter)
| Oil | March 2024 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower | ₹ 140 | ₹ 155.7 |
| Mustard oil | ₹ 150 | ₹ 170.4 |
| Groundnut | ₹ 185 | ₹ 192.7 |
Vegetable price (Rs per kg)
| Vegetable | March 2024 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | ₹ 10 | ₹ 19.2 |
| Potato | ₹ 18 | ₹ 22.0 |
| Onion | ₹ 21 | ₹ 35.7 |
Average price index growth
| product | February 2024 | February 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Edible oil | 122 | 156.0 |
| Dairy | 122 | 148.7 |
| Cereal | 117 | 112.0 |
| Meat | 114 | 118.0 |
| Food value | 120 | 127.1 |
Impact of inflation: spending will increase further
The prices of vegetables may have ups and downs, but the prices of edible oil and dairy products are continuously increasing. If this trend continues, inflation can increase further with rising prices of fruits and vegetables during the summer season, which will affect the domestic budget of common people.
According to experts, the increase in food prices will directly affect the inflation rate and this may further increase the expenditure of consumers.
