Bhubaneswar, May 16 -- Amid growing instability due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, edible oil prices are witnessing a steady rise, raising concerns among traders and consumers alike in Odisha.

According to market sources, the price of a 15-kg pack of palmolein oil, which was previously priced at Rs 2,400, has now increased to Rs 2,495. Similar trends have been observed in other edible oil categories as well. Grade-1 mustard oil prices have climbed from Rs 180 to Rs 200 per litre, while sunflower oil prices have also risen sharply and touched the Rs 180 mark.

Members of the traders' association stated that the primary reason behind the price hike is the increase in import duties, which has directly impacted the cost of edibl...