Cooking Oil Price Increase Prompting Consumer Hesitation

Consumers are increasingly hesitant to purchase cooking oil, which has now become a luxury item for some households. The surge in prices occured despite announcements from Pravind Jugnauth, leader of the Alliance Lepep and outgoing Prime Minister, who stated that if his party wins the upcoming general elections, the value-added tax (VAT) on food products will be reduced by 10% starting January 2025.

Yet, the price of cooking oil has already seen a dramatic increase that many are struggling to absorb.

A visit to a supermarket in a suburb of the capital on Sunday afternoon, November 3, revealed the concerns of shoppers regarding the soaring costs.

One customer from the North expressed frustration, asking, “Why has the price of this oil increased by over Rs 4?”

A regular patron of the supermarket, known for its competitive pricing, she lamented that due to ongoing increases in oil prices over the past few years, she can only afford to buy locally produced oil.

“I am now forced to purchase only one type of oil made in Mauritius, as the prices of imported oils, which I occasionally bought, have risen significantly,” she explained.

Another local mother was startled by the price of oil during her Sunday shopping trip.

“I think they waited until after the Diwali festival to raise the prices,” she said resignedly, before ultimately deciding to buy a bottle of oil regardless of the high cost.

The latest price lists for cooking oils are staggering. At Moroil, notable price increases were observed: the five-liter container of Rani brand oil rose from Rs 369.50 to Rs 392, an increase of Rs 22.50.

Similarly, the price of sunflower oil in the same size jumped from Rs 375.50 to Rs 399.75, a rise of Rs 24.25.

Additionally, the popular Rani oil pouch increased from Rs 74.05 to Rs 78.50, while the one-liter bottle saw a price hike from Rs 73.85 to Rs 78.50.

When approached for explanations regarding these price increases, Moroil representatives cited the manager’s absence on leave, stating that no other personnel were available for comment.

The rising cost of cooking oil has also led to increases in various food items, including dholl puri and fried cakes, over the past few years.

As consumers grapple with these escalating prices, the implications for household budgets are becoming ever more pronounced.

Source: l’Express