New Delhi: The peak season for arrivals of mustard—the most prominent oilseed crop of the Rabi season—is currently underway. Due to a robust supply of mustard in key markets across major producing states, coupled with somewhat subdued commercial demand, prices witnessed a decline of ₹100–200 per quintal during the week of April 11–17.

The price of 42% condition mustard fell by ₹50 in Delhi and Jaipur, settling at ₹6,750 per quintal and ₹7,150 per quintal, respectively. Similarly, a softening trend was observed in the prices of average-quality mustard as well. In Kota, prices dropped by ₹200, landing in the range of ₹6,000–₹6,600 per quintal. Markets in Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh also remained weak.

Prices for both Expeller-pressed and *Kacchi Ghani* (cold-pressed) mustard oil declined by ₹1–4 per kilogram. Bulk buyers showed limited interest in making purchases. In Delhi, the price of Expeller-pressed oil fell by ₹15 to ₹1,435 per 10 kg, while in Morena, the price of *Kacchi Ghani* oil dropped by ₹40 to ₹1,430 per 10 kg. In other centers, a softening of ₹10–20 per 10 kg was observed in mustard oil prices.

At the national level, daily mustard arrivals in the markets were recorded as follows: 1.1 million bags on April 11; 1.1 million bags on April 13; 900,000 bags on April 14; 1.1 million bags on April 15; 1 million bags on April 16; and 950,000 bags on April 17 (with each bag weighing 50 kg).

The market trend for mustard cake and DOC (De-oiled Cake) mirrored that of mustard seeds and mustard oil. Amidst sluggish trading activity, a decline of ₹100–200 was observed in prices. Buying interest from exporters also waned.

Despite a slight softening in prices, the wholesale market rate for mustard continues to trade above the Minimum Support Price (MSP); consequently, government agencies such as NAFED and HAFED are not meeting with much success in their procurement efforts.