Coconut Oil Prices Hit Record High; State Launches Inspections to Curb Adulteration

Thiruvananthapuram: With coconut oil prices reaching record highs, the Food Safety Department in Kerala has launched a statewide inspection to ensure the quality and safety of coconut oil sold in the market. Health Minister Veena George said that a special three-day drive, titled Operation Nalikera, was conducted under Operation Life to monitor coconut oil manufacturing units, wholesalers, and retail traders. The inspections were intensified in anticipation of adulterated oil entering the market due to the sharp rise in prices. The Minister urged the public to remain alert against the sale of substandard and adulterated oil.
So far, 980 establishments across Kerala have been inspected. Among them, 25 received rectification notices, and seven were issued compounding notices with fines for various violations. In total, 161 statutory samples and 277 surveillance samples were collected and sent for testing. The Minister said that inspections will continue and that strict action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act if illegal practices are detected. Consumers with concerns about oil quality can report their complaints to the food safety toll-free number: 1800 425 1125.
At the beginning of this year, the price of one litre of coconut oil was below Rs 200. It has now surged to an average of ₹500 per litre, with wholesale rates more than doubling in just six months. Similarly, the price of coconuts has risen sharply—from Rs 33 per kilogram earlier this year to nearly Rs 100 now. The price hike has also led to a ripple effect on the cost of other essential commodities. One major reason for the spike is the drop in coconut production in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and countries like the Philippines. A decrease in the import of coconuts to Kerala has added to the supply crunch.
As the Onam season approaches, the sharp rise is causing concern among households and small businesses. Many restaurants have switched to palm oil for cooking due to the unaffordability of coconut oil. There is also growing concern over the increased presence of fake or adulterated coconut oil in the market, which could pose serious health risks. The public and health officials alike are demanding tighter enforcement to prevent such products from being sold.