Festival Season Sparks Demand for Cooking Oils, Rice, and Spices; Lentils Remain Stable

Festival Season Signals Increased Demand for Groceries in Madhya Pradesh

The Cliff News | Bhopal | August 18, 2026 The grocery markets in Madhya Pradesh are experiencing a surge in demand for edible oils, rice, and spices with the onset of the festive season, driven by increased domestic consumption. However, prices for major lentils and grains remain relatively stable for now.

Lentil Market Shows Stability Amidst Steady Demand

Traders anticipate minor price fluctuations in some food items in the coming days, depending on demand and supply. Currently, prices for chickpeas are stable, averaging around ₹7,500 to ₹7,650 per quintal (₹75 to ₹76 per kg). In the retail market, split and whole chickpeas are priced between ₹75 and ₹78 per kg.

Sufficient availability and normal demand for chickpeas are contributing to the absence of significant price rallies in this segment. Moong dal prices are ranging from ₹93 to ₹106 per kg, varying with quality. Higher demand persists for good quality moong, with price differences observed across various grades and varieties, making premium moong more expensive than standard quality.

Similarly, masoor dal prices are stable at approximately ₹94 to ₹96 per kg, with normal trade activity and no significant market shifts. Among other key lentils, arhar (tur) dal remains the most expensive, priced around ₹140 to ₹146 per kg. The price of tur dal is clearly influenced by supply, demand, and quality, positioning it at a premium compared to other lentils.

Rice and Edible Oil Demand on the Rise

The arrival of the festive season has also boosted the demand for rice. Regular rice is selling at ₹27 to ₹30 per kg, while better quality and Basmati varieties are priced above ₹45 per kg. Increased festivities and varied culinary preparations during this period naturally lead to higher rice consumption as it is a staple in many traditional and special dishes.

Demand for edible oils, including mustard and soybean oil, is also showing an upward trend. The festive shopping season is creating a slight pull in the oil market due to increased household consumption. While there are no major price spikes currently, potential price changes are possible with rising demand. This increase is primarily attributed to more cooking and hospitality activities during festivals, leading to higher oil usage.

Spices See Increased Activity with Festival Preparations

The festive season also drives up the consumption of spices due to the preparation of special dishes and sweets. Demand for turmeric, chili, coriander, cumin, and other spices is gradually increasing. The impact of this rise in retail demand is also being felt in wholesale trade, leading to increased activity and slightly higher prices for these items.

The unique use of spices in various regional cuisines further enhances their demand during festivals. Consumers actively shopping for groceries during this period are closely monitoring prices. As lentils, rice, oil, and spices are essential commodities, even minor price changes can affect household budgets. Therefore, shoppers are considering current price trends when planning their purchases.

Market Outlook and Consumer Vigilance

In summary, while prices for major lentils are stable with no indications of significant rallies in chickpeas, moong, and masoor, the markets for edible oils, rice, and spices are under particular observation due to anticipated demand growth during the festivals. Price changes for these items are expected in the coming days, influenced by supply, demand, and wholesale market dynamics. Buyers are keeping a close watch on potential price fluctuations for these festive shopping essentials.