Consumption - Edible Oil: Empty Shelves and Soaring Prices

Currently, there is a shortage of edible oil affecting the entire Mauritian market. Due to supply delays, international tensions, and reduced deliveries, distributors are struggling to meet demand. This situation has even led to panic buying in some retail locations.

The shelves for edible oil are gradually emptying in the country's supermarkets. Several retailers confirm they are facing a widespread shortage, fueled by supply difficulties and delays in the delivery of goods. At King’s Savers, the situation is dire. Its director, Alain Saverettiar, reports a shortage that affects almost all brands available on the market. "Indeed, the shortage concerns nearly all brands. It is a general disruption," he states.

According to him, the volumes delivered by suppliers are significantly below the orders placed. "This week, we received only 10% of the ordered volume," he clarifies. This drastic drop in deliveries, he says, has direct repercussions on consumer behavior. Faced with the product's scarcity, some turn to precautionary purchases. "This situation leads consumers to engage in panic buying," observes Alain Saverettiar.

The same phenomenon is observed in SaveMax supermarkets. "There is currently a cooking oil shortage in Mauritius. This situation affects both importers and the local refinery," explains CEO Vicky Hanoomanjee. He also highlights the difficulties faced by importers in sourcing supplies, particularly from the Middle East. According to him, these constraints exacerbate tensions in the local market and further complicate product availability.

At Intermart, the situation is equally concerning. In Beau-Bassin, store manager Assad Peerbux reports a notable lack of stock, particularly for the more affordable oils. "Brands priced between Rs 65 and Rs 70 are particularly affected," he notes. Once again, the volumes received remain far below the orders. "When we order between 3,000 and 4,000 liters of oil, we only receive between 350 and 400 liters," he specifies. According to suppliers, these disruptions are linked to delays in the arrival of ships, thereby delaying the shelving of products.

In convenience stores, the shortage is even more pronounced. Uttam Sumaroo, the sector's general secretary, asserts that some popular brands have completely disappeared from shelves for over a month. "There is no more oil from the Rani and Leader brands in the retail outlets," he states.

Disruptions in the Supply Chain

At DreamPrice, director Nooreza Fawzee confirms that the disruptions originate internationally. The store imports oils from Egypt and Turkey. "With the war in the Middle East, there have been disruptions in the supply chain, leading to delays in the arrival of shipments to Mauritius," she explains.

In light of this situation, the store had to adapt its strategy by limiting the quantities available for sale to avoid a complete stockout. "This explains the reduced presence of products on the shelves," she specifies. As for the arrival of new shipments, uncertainty remains. "With the conflicts, the data changes every day. We are in discussions with our suppliers to ensure that necessary actions are taken as quickly as possible," confides Nooreza Fawzee.

Edible Oil: Prices are Rising

Alongside the shortage, the prices of edible oil are on the rise. At SaveMax, CEO Vicky Hanoomanjee indicates that prices have already increased by about 18% due to supply difficulties and tensions in the international market. At Intermart, Assad Peerbux states that suppliers have warned that prices for upcoming stocks will be even higher. In convenience stores, this increase is already being felt. Uttam Sumaroo highlights that the price of one liter of oil has risen from Rs 60.20 to Rs 62, illustrating a gradual but real increase.