Kochi: Government intervention has prevented an uncontrolled surge in coconut oil prices in Kerala during the Onam season. While prices were expected to cross ₹520 per litre during the festival, the government’s decision to distribute coconut oil at a subsidised rate of ₹349 acted as a market stabiliser.

The price of the subsidised Sabari brand was further reduced to ₹339, leading to other brands in the open market being sold at nearly ₹400 per litre.

Coconut oil sales typically double in Kerala during the Onam season. However, the steep rise in prices has hit the state-run co-operative Kerafed the hardest. Having procured copra at record prices, Kerafed is selling coconut oil under its Kera brand at ₹445 per litre, even in Supplyco outlets — making it less attractive to buyers compared to cheaper alternatives.

Meanwhile, the price of pure coconut oil, which had touched ₹480 per litre earlier, has now eased to the ₹380–390 range.

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