Rising Food Prices: A Deep Dive into the Surge in Pulses, Vegetables, and Edible Oils

 The cost of basic food items continues to rise in India, impacting the daily lives of consumers. While some commodities have seen price reductions due to seasonal changes, others have experienced sharp increases over the past two years. In particular, pulses, vegetables, and edible oils have seen significant price hikes, adding to the financial burden on households across the country.

This article explores the rise in prices of pulses, tomatoes, vegetables, and food oils, highlighting the inflationary trends and their impact on the economy. We will also look at the factors contributing to these price changes and provide insights into the future trajectory of food prices.

Rising Prices of Pulses

Over the past two years, the price of pulses has seen a steady upward trend. Among the various types of pulses, Arhar Dal (Toor Dal) has experienced the most significant price increase. In February 2023, the price of Arhar Dal was around 112 rupees per kilogram. However, by February 2025, the price had surged to 140 rupees per kilogram, marking an increase of approximately 28 rupees per kilogram in just two years.

This price hike is not limited to Arhar Dal alone. Other pulses like Urad Dal and Chana Dal have also seen significant increases. For instance, Urad Dal rose from 105 rupees per kilogram in 2023 to 121 rupees per kilogram in 2025. Similarly, Chana Dal prices climbed from 70 rupees per kilogram to 90.20 rupees per kilogram in the same period.The rising prices of pulses have become a major concern, as pulses are a staple food in many households. The inflation in the prices of these essential items directly affects the cost of living, particularly for the middle and lower-income segments of society.

Tomato Prices Soar: A Seasonal Surprise

While tomato prices traditionally fall during the winter months, they have seen a significant surge over the past two years. In February 2023, the average price of tomatoes was around 10 rupees per kilogram, but by February 2025, the price had doubled to 20.70 rupees per kilogram. This price increase has taken many consumers by surprise, as it is unusual for tomatoes to become so expensive during the winter season.This price hike can be attributed to several factors, including supply chain disruptions, weather conditions, and increased demand. Although tomatoes are generally cheaper during the colder months, the current market dynamics have caused an anomaly, leading to a sharp price rise.

Along with tomatoes, the prices of other vegetables like onions and potatoes have also risen sharply. In February 2023, onions were priced at 25 rupees per kilogram, while by February 2025, they had reached 35.20 rupees per kilogram. Similarly, the price of potatoes increased from 20 rupees per kilogram in February 2023 to 24.10 rupees per kilogram in February 2025.

The Impact on Staple Grains: Rice and Wheat

In addition to pulses and vegetables, the prices of staple grains like rice and wheat have also seen a noticeable increase. The price of rice rose from 37 rupees per kilogram in February 2023 to 42.30 rupees per kilogram in February 2025. Wheat prices also followed a similar trajectory, increasing from 32 rupees per kilogram to 34.90 rupees per kilogram in the same time frame.This rise in the prices of essential grains is worrying for many households, as rice and wheat are critical ingredients in the daily diet of millions of people. The increase in these staple foods further strains budgets, especially for families with lower incomes.

Edible Oil Price Hike: A Growing Concern

The prices of edible oils have also experienced a sharp rise, especially since October 2024. Prices for commonly used oils like sunflower oil, mustard oil, and groundnut oil have steadily increased.

• Sunflower oil prices have increased from 130 rupees per kilogram in October 2024 to 154.9 rupees per kilogram in February 2025.
• Mustard oil prices rose from 150 rupees per kilogram to 170.3 rupees per kilogram during the same period.
• Groundnut oil prices have increased from 188 rupees per kilogram to 193.8 rupees per kilogram.

This rise in edible oil prices has added another layer to the ongoing inflation, further burdening consumers. The demand for edible oils in cooking and other food preparations makes these price increases particularly difficult for households to manage.

Contributing Factors to the Price Surge

Several factors have contributed to the rise in prices of these essential food items. Some of the key contributors include:

1. Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in the supply chain, affecting the availability of pulses, vegetables, and edible oils. These disruptions resulted in shortages, which in turn led to price hikes.
2. Weather Conditions: Unfavorable weather conditions, including droughts and floods, have negatively impacted crop production. This has particularly affected the supply of vegetables and pulses, pushing prices higher.
3. Global Market Dynamics: The global market for agricultural commodities also plays a role in the pricing of food items. Import restrictions, international trade tariffs, and fluctuations in global demand for food have contributed to the rising prices.
4. Increased Demand: As the population grows and urbanization continues, the demand for food items has steadily increased. This heightened demand has further exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance, driving up prices.
5. Economic Inflation: General inflation across the economy has led to higher production costs for food items. Increased labor costs, transportation costs, and packaging expenses have all contributed to the overall rise in food prices.

Price Trends Over the Past Two Years

The price trends of various food items over the past two years reveal a clear picture of rising costs across the board. Below is a comparison of prices in February 2023 and February 2025:

The Impact on Consumers

The steady rise in food prices is having a significant impact on consumers. For many households, the cost of living has increased substantially. The increase in prices of basic food items like pulses, vegetables, and grains is particularly affecting low-income families, who rely heavily on these staples.