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Domestic sesame oil prices in India have climbed by approximately US$4.23 per quintal, marking a distinct departure from the broader edible oil complex where rice bran and cottonseed oils have seen price declines and mustard oil remains stable. This strength in the oil sector is filtering through to raw seed markets, where wholesale mandi prices have recently surged well beyond official government support levels.
FOB New Delhi sesame seed quotations in EUR reflect this bullish sentiment. Indian origin hulled 99.90% is currently indicated at EUR 1.52/FOB New Delhi, while EU-grade hulled 99.97–99.98% stands between EUR 1.61 and 1.63/FOB New Delhi. Premium black varieties command higher prices, with super z black 99.95% quoted at EUR 2.01/FOB New Delhi. Natural 99.95% is assessed at EUR 1.35/FOB New Delhi, while organic natural sortex 99.95% trades near EUR 1.80/FOB New Delhi. In Egypt, natural 99% sesame is priced around EUR 1.45/FOB Cairo, with golden natural at EUR 1.90/FOB Cairo.
Constraint in seed availability within India is the primary driver behind firmer prices, occurring just as domestic demand strengthens. Processors report difficulty in accessing nearby raw materials, leading to more aggressive procurement for both crushing and food-grade applications. This sesame-specific tightness contrasts sharply with the weaker conditions observed in other segments of the Indian oil complex, such as rice bran oil.
Market data indicates a significant jump in average mandi prices over the past fortnight, coinciding with festival-related restocking and low inventory levels. While new-crop arrivals have commenced, quality remains inconsistent across different regions. Traders are maintaining a cautious approach, prioritizing lots that demonstrate optimal moisture levels, test weight, and oil content. Export demand from Asia and Europe remains active but has become increasingly selective, particularly for hulled and EU-grade products requiring high traceability.
India's 2026 monsoon concluded below normal levels, with El Niño-linked rainfall deficits impacting the overall kharif oilseed outlook. Although expanded acreage helped mitigate fears of massive volume losses, late-season storms and localized flooding in northern India have heightened quality risks, including smaller seed sizes and potential aflatoxin issues. Looking ahead, if India adopts a more defensive stance on exports to satisfy domestic demand, the global balance for high-purity sesame could tighten significantly through 2027.
Source: CMB News
Source: CMB News