EUROPE-Energy Matrix


to 10 lakh tonnes, of which the trade's share was fixed at 16 lakh tonnes. The bulk of the 8,5 lakh tonnes of edible oils imported by STC has been sold to vanaspati manufacturing units and for distribution through fair price shops. As a result, little was left with the STC for sale in the free market. This has aggravated the psychology of shortage. Groundnut oil, which was available at Its 9,000 per tonne towards the end of January, moved to Rs 9,250 per tonne towards the end of February and further to Rs 9,800 per tonne in mid-March. Similarly, imported soyabean oil rose from Rs 8,400 per tonne to Rs 9,400 per tonne during the same period. The prices of other edible oils displayed similar trends. Unless the Union government arranges to import an additional 2-3 lakh tonnes of edible oils soon, prices are expected to firm up further in the coming months.