Coconut Oil Prices Soar in Kerala Amidst Copra Shortage, Retail Hits ₹360/kg

Kochi: Coconut oil prices are rapidly escalating in Kerala’s wholesale markets, reaching unprecedented levels. In Kochi, the price of one kilogram of coconut oil has surged to ₹287, while in Kozhikode, it has surpassed ₹307. In the retail market, the average selling price ranges from ₹340 to ₹360 per kilogram.

The primary reason for this sharp increase is a severe shortage of copra (dried coconut kernel), the main raw material for coconut oil production. The market began to heat up as the supply of copra to the state significantly dwindled. The previous record high for wholesale prices was ₹204 per kilogram in 2017-18, a figure now easily surpassed with Kochi hitting ₹287 yesterday.

Copra supply from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh has reportedly dropped by more than half. The scarcity in the market, coupled with the rising cost of imported copra, is causing daily price increases.

Currently, retail coconut oil is being sold between ₹340 and ₹360 per kilogram. Market analysis suggests that prices are likely to climb further in the coming days. In response to the escalating costs, various companies have begun introducing smaller packets of coconut oil, with 200-gram and 300-gram packs now appearing in the market. Industry experts indicate that current market conditions suggest no immediate relief from the rising coconut oil prices.