The Kerala Government has stepped in to curb the rising price of coconut oil. It has assured that it would bring down its prices during the ensuing Onam festival season.

The State Minister for Industries, P. Rajeev, and the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, G.R. Anil, gave the assurance after a meeting with over 60 coconut oil merchants.

The government has approached to the merchants as part of its efforts to rein in the skyrocketing coconut oil prices.

The traders were encouraged to participate in the ongoing bidding for the supply of branded coconut oil to Supplyco for retail through its outlets.

According to the ministers, the payments will be made to those who win the bidding in 15 days. Once the price of coconut oil sold through Supplyco comes down, it will have a positive impact on the prices in the retail market as well.

Ruling out imports

Traders who attended the meeting were unanimous to control coconut oil price. The Ministers said they were exploring ways to bring down the price while ensuring farmers get due profit. Rajeev also ruled out the possibility of importing coconut oil from other markets, saying that it would have long-term consequences.

A trader who attended the meeting told businessline that the government entity Kerafed should bring down the price of coconut oil first, as the agency is selling at an MRP of Rs529 compared to Rs450 other brands are selling in the retail market. Even coconut oil is available in the wholesale market at Rs425, he said adding that the retail price is now in a steady mode over the last few weeks.

Copra prices are also ruling steady at Rs250 per kg for quite sometime, the trader said.

Published on July 29, 2025