Bangladesh Mustard Oil Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Bangladesh Mustard Oil Market Trends and Insights

Deep cultural integration and culinary relevance

Mustard oil holds a significant position in Bangladesh due to its deep cultural integration and culinary relevance. It serves multiple purposes, including use as a cooking medium, a carrier for traditional remedies like mustard paste for joint pain, a religious input for lamps in Hindu rituals, and a base for condiments such as kashundi. This cultural importance is being modernized rather than replaced, as seen in the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s July 2024 launch of sesame–mustard blended oil (SO80:MO20), which achieved a WHO/FAO-aligned fatty acid profile (SFA:MUFA: PUFA = 1:1.3:1), reduced erucic acid to 4.22%, below the 5% limit, and maintained low TOTOX values over 180 days without synthetic antioxidants ^{[1]Source: Journal of King Saud University – Science (JKSUS), "Unique Formulation of Edible Blended Oil from Sesame and Mustard Seeds Grown in Bangladesh", jksus.org} . These developments address regulatory, health, and oxidative-stability concerns while preserving the traditional characteristics of mustard oil. Public research and development initiatives support brand reformulation and premium new product development, enabling manufacturers to highlight both health benefits and traditional flavors. Recent media coverage has emphasized locally blended and cold-pressed oils as safer and more authentic alternatives to heavily refined imports. Price dynamics also favor mustard oil, with loose mustard oil retailing at BDT 160–180 per liter in March 2025, narrowing the cost gap with soybean oil and allowing middle-income households to maintain or increase their usage. Brands like Meghna Group’s Fresh Mustard Oil leverage domestic seed sourcing and automated purification to appeal to urban consumers seeking heritage and quality assurance. Government nutrition campaigns further promote indigenous oils, reinforcing mustard oil’s position due to its established role in Bengali recipes, family routines, and festivals. This convergence of cultural significance, scientific advancements, price competitiveness, and strategic branding strengthens mustard oil’s resilience against imported alternatives, positioning it as a core component in household oil consumption.

Emergence of mobile mini-mills and on-site cold-pressing boosting rural demand

The decentralization of crushing infrastructure through mobile mini-mills and on-site cold-pressing is reshaping mustard oil production in Bangladesh. This approach minimizes post-harvest losses for mustard seeds and retains value within production areas, reducing reliance on urban processors. Traditional cold-press units (Kachi Ghani), operated predominantly by small-to-medium mills, remain central to the market, processing domestically produced mustard seeds with lean inventories of 1–2 months to align with seasonal harvests. These mills sell fresh oil directly to rural retailers or urban wholesalers, bypassing intermediary layers that inflate costs. The on-site model enhances rural demand by offering fresher, pungency-retaining Kachi Ghani oil at competitive prices, while farmers benefit from dual revenue streams, oil sales and nutrient-rich mustard meal byproducts for livestock feed. This integrated approach incentivizes mustard cultivation over alternative crops. Reports highlight how localized crushing sustains the country's position as a major producer amid rising edible oil demand. Small mills have adopted mobile vending units to deliver bottled Kachi Ghani oil directly to village markets, avoiding wholesale markups. Brands like Janata Oil Mills, under Mika Group, exemplify this trend by marketing Tekka and Ghani pure mustard oils from on-site presses, emphasizing minimal processing and rural traceability. These mini-mills reduce dependency on imported rapeseed blends, stabilize supply during volatile harvests, and enable small crushers to compete with large FMCG companies. Government programs in 2024–2025 further supported this shift by subsidizing portable presses in regions like Bogra and Jamalpur, transforming rural processing into a cohesive growth engine and strengthening the mustard oil supply chain.

Shift to mustard oil as soybean prices stay volatile

Consumers in Bangladesh are increasingly shifting to mustard oil as a cost-effective alternative amid the persistent volatility in soybean oil prices. In December 2025, soybean oil prices surged, with one-litre bottles reaching BDT 198, a 5% increase from the previous week, and five-litre bottles climbing to BDT 965, up from BDT 910, as reported by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh ^{[2]Source: The Daily Star, "Refiners Hike Oil Price Without Govt Approval", thedailystar.net} . Loose palm oil prices also rose due to global import cost pressures, fluctuations in letters of credit (LC), and a strong dollar. This price instability has driven demand for mustard oil, which benefits from local seed crushing, shielding it from international price fluctuations. Brands such as Square Food & Beverage's Radhuni Pure Mustard Oil have leveraged this trend by promoting consistent rural-sourced pricing and Kachi Ghani authenticity in urban markets, positioning mustard oil as a reliable and stable household staple. The direct link between soybean oil's price spikes and mustard oil's growing appeal has created a substitution effect, particularly in price-sensitive regions like Barishal, where families are reallocating budgets without compromising on cultural flavor profiles. Grocers have reported faster turnover of mustard oil during these periods, as consumers strategically blend it to manage costs. This shift has bolstered demand for both unrefined and branded refined mustard oil variants, solidifying its market position as a dependable alternative amid ongoing price volatility in competing oils.

Government drive to cut edible-oil import bill via 40% self-sufficiency plan

The government of Bangladesh is implementing a strategic initiative to reduce the edible oil import bill by achieving 40% self-sufficiency in domestic oilseed production by 2025 ^{[3]Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "Oilseeds and Products Annual - March 18, 2025", apps.fas.usda.gov}. This plan, led by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), focuses on expanding mustard cultivation in coastal and haor areas and promoting intercropping between T. Aman and T. Boro rice seasons to enhance seed availability for crushers and stabilize supply chains. The policy aligns with recommendations from the October 2025 Prothom Alo-Solidaridad roundtable, which emphasized utilizing fallow and char lands for mustard, soybean, and sunflower cultivation, supported by high-yield, climate-resilient seeds, low-interest loans, crop insurance, and fair pricing mechanisms. These measures aim to address inefficiencies in processing and market volatility while fostering public-private partnerships for regenerative farming practices. Companies like Orion Group are leveraging this initiative by aligning their production with government-backed mustard cultivation zones, marketing products as "self-reliant Bengali oil" to align with policy goals and consumer sentiment. Mustard, as the leading domestic oilseed, plays a pivotal role in reducing reliance on volatile soybean and palm oil imports, while its byproducts contribute to livestock feed and rural income growth. This initiative integrates government extension services, research from institutions like BARI and Sher-e-Bangla University, and industry-scale operations, positioning mustard oil as a cornerstone of economic resilience and food security.

Competition from cheaper imported palm oil

Competition from cheaper imported palm oil continues to create significant challenges for local mustard oil producers in Bangladesh by undercutting prices and reshaping purchasing behavior among low- to middle-income households. Imported palm oil, primarily sourced through large-scale refiners, is sold at substantially lower prices, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers who traditionally relied on mustard oil for daily cooking. This price disparity reduces the perceived value of mustard oil, despite its cultural importance, stronger aroma, and suitability for traditional dishes like bhorta or fish fry, forcing consumers to choose between affordability and tradition. The growing adoption of palm oil in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector, where cost efficiency is prioritized, further intensifies competition, leaving established mustard oil brands such as Pran and Teer struggling to maintain market share. The rise of blended edible oils, including palm-soy or palm-sunflower blends, adds complexity, as retailers promote these as economical alternatives, pushing mustard oil into a smaller, premium segment. Smaller artisanal ghani producers face additional pressure due to higher production costs, limiting their ability to compete with aggressively priced refined palm oil. Furthermore, the availability of palm oil in value-packs and refill pouches has expanded its reach in rural and peri-urban markets, weakening demand momentum for mustard oil and forcing producers to rely on heritage positioning, purity claims, and seasonal demand spikes.

Climatic and agronomic volatility in mustard seed supply

Climatic and agronomic volatility in mustard seed supply poses a significant challenge to market stability. Erratic weather conditions, including untimely heavy rains, hailstorms, and rising temperatures beyond the crop's optimal range of 10-25°C, disrupt cultivation in key regions such as Bogra, Jamalpur, and the haor areas, leading to inconsistent yields and reduced crushing throughput for both small mills and large processors. Climate change intensifies these issues, with events like flash floods (e.g., the Michaung cyclone in Jashore in December 2023) causing root rot and threatening harvests, while prolonged dry spells hinder germination. Crushers often ration production or blend with imports during lean seasons, driving up unrefined Kachi Ghani mustard oil prices and reducing competitiveness against stable palm oil imports. Pests, fungal diseases, and parasites further exacerbate risks in ecologically fragile zones like Hakaluki haor, where studies (BSMRAU 2023) highlight the need for stress-tolerant seed varieties as shifting rainfall and humidity impact pod development and oil content. Supply shortages force brands like TK Group's Pusti Mustard Oil to stockpile or enter forward contracts, squeezing margins, while rural mini-mills with limited inventory face post-harvest losses from cyclone damage. Farmers increasingly shift to safer crops like potatoes or rice, shrinking seed availability and compelling wholesalers to source adulterated alternatives. Government efforts to promote high-yield hybrids face adoption challenges due to competition with winter cash crops. Trials by BARI underscore additional threats, including salinity, evapotranspiration, and declining groundwater levels, which limit irrigation. Without resilient seeds and improved irrigation, supply volatility will persist, constraining market growth despite strong cultural demand.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Unrefined Kachi Ghani Anchors Heritage, Refined Segment Rides Urban Shift

The unrefined (Kachi Ghani) mustard oil segment accounts for a significant market share of 56.23% in 2024, driven by strong consumer preference for cold-pressed oils. These oils are valued for their traditional pungent aroma and bioactive compounds such as lignans and tocopherols, which align with local culinary traditions. This segment benefits from its association with small-scale, handcrafted crushing methods that preserve intense flavor profiles, making it a preferred choice for homemade fish curries, pickles, and festive cooking. Brands like Square Food & Beverage’s Radhuni Pure Mustard Oil emphasize the "authentic cold-pressed" identity, appealing to rural households and urban consumers who view Kachi Ghani as a natural, minimally processed product reflecting health and cultural heritage. Despite the rise of premium and clean-label trends, the artisanal nature of this segment ensures its continued prominence, resisting competition from refined or blended oils by emphasizing superior flavor and local authenticity.

The refined mustard oil segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.78% through 2030, supported by urbanization and evolving consumer preferences. Refined oils are favored for their lighter flavors, longer shelf life, and compliance with regulatory fortification mandates. This growth is driven by the expanding middle-class urban population seeking convenient, health-focused products with consistent quality for daily cooking and HoReCa applications. Innovations such as BCSIR’s sesame-mustard blended oil (SO80:MO20), with reduced erucic acid levels and balanced fatty acids, highlight the potential for blended and fortified variants. These products are gaining traction in export markets like Singapore, Bahrain, and Qatar, catering to the Bangladeshi diaspora's demand for premium, health-conscious oils. Meghna Group’s Fresh Mustard Oil brand exemplifies the blending of refined processing with "natural Bengali taste," targeting urban consumers who seek modern safety assurances alongside cultural connections. Together, refined and blended oils are emerging as a growing complement to the unrefined segment, reflecting a market shaped by heritage, health, and modernization.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Packaging: Bottles Lead, Pouches Gain on Convenience and Cost

The bottled packaging segment held a significant 58.19% share in 2024, driven by the widespread adoption of PET bottles in sizes ranging from 80 ml sachets to 5-liter formats. These formats effectively address modern retail and household requirements. Leading brands such as PRAN Mustard Oil (under Natore Agro Ltd.), Meghna Group's Fresh Mustard Oil, ACI Pure Mustard Oil, and Wilmar's Rupchanda leverage features like tamper-evident seals, UV protection, and stackability to enhance product safety, extend shelf life, and ensure convenient storage. Bottled packaging aligns with consumer expectations for quality assurance and brand reliability, particularly in urban areas and organized retail chains. This format remains the preferred choice for both unrefined and refined mustard oil variants, driven by heightened attention to authenticity and hygiene.

Flexible pouches are rapidly gaining traction due to their cost efficiency and convenience, supported by a projected 4.53% CAGR through 2030, the highest among packaging types. The reduced resin content in pouch packaging lowers material costs, making smaller units (such as 200 ml, 250 ml, and 500 ml) more accessible to lower-income rural households. These households benefit from affordability and portability, particularly in regions with limited cold-chain infrastructure and constrained shelf space. Bulk tins and drums continue to serve institutional buyers, including HoReCa and commercial kitchens, where 15-liter jars and 15-kg tins remain cost-effective. However, increasing enforcement of vitamin A fortification regulations is driving a gradual shift toward fortified packaged oils, reflecting evolving regulatory and quality assurance requirements in the bulk edible oil segment.

By Distribution Channel: Off-Trade Dominates, On-Trade Recovers Post-Pandemic

In 2024, the off-trade distribution channel accounted for 78.42% of the total market share, reflecting the prominence of traditional retail formats in Bangladesh. This channel includes supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience and grocery stores, specialty outlets, as well as wet markets and roadside vendors. Wet markets and roadside vendors are particularly significant in rural and semi-urban areas, where most food purchases occur. Although supermarkets and modern trade channels remain relatively small, they are steadily expanding in urban centers such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and tier-2 cities, driven by urbanization and changing consumer preferences. Online retail is also gaining traction, with platforms like Othoba, Chaldal, and Daraz incorporating mustard oil into their assortments. However, rural areas face challenges related to connectivity and logistics, limiting the reach of e-commerce. Brands such as PRAN and ACI leverage both traditional and digital off-trade channels to ensure accessibility and maintain brand visibility across diverse consumer segments.

The on-trade/HoReCa distribution channel is experiencing robust growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.89% through 2030, making it the fastest-growing segment. This growth is driven by increased demand from restaurants, hotels, and catering services returning to pre-pandemic levels, as well as institutional buyers such as schools, hospitals, and corporate canteens. These buyers prioritize packaged and fortified mustard oil products to meet food safety regulations and social safety standards. Brands like Meghna Group’s Fresh Mustard Oil cater to this segment with larger pack sizes and fortified options, aligning with institutional requirements and diversifying revenue streams in the evolving edible oil market.

Geography Analysis

Dhaka Division accounts for 40.25% of the 2024 mustard oil market, driven by its dense population, higher purchasing power, and advanced retail infrastructure, including supermarkets, specialty stores, and growing online platforms. These factors enhance access to packaged mustard oil products, fueling demand for premium and branded options. Consumers in this urban hub prioritize convenience, brand assurance, and variety, supporting the growth of refined and fortified mustard oils alongside traditional unrefined types. Brands such as ACI Pure Mustard Oil and Meghna Group’s Fresh Mustard Oil have strategically positioned themselves in Dhaka’s retail and e-commerce channels, catering to health-conscious and convenience-seeking segments. This approach sustains value growth despite challenges like market saturation and competition from imported oils, including palm oil.

Khulna Division is expected to achieve the fastest growth in the mustard oil market, with a projected CAGR of 5.61% through 2030. This growth is supported by agronomic advancements and government-backed initiatives to expand cultivation in coastal and haor areas, unlocking production potential in districts such as Jessore and Khulna. Efforts by the Department of Agricultural Extension to promote high-yield varieties and adaptive cropping practices further enhance seed production and supply stability, enabling local farmers to meet increasing demand.

Rajshahi Division, a historically significant mustard cultivation area, faces challenges such as yield fluctuations due to drought and groundwater depletion. However, industrial investments, including Meghna Group’s seed sourcing in Sirajganj and Bogra and PRAN-RFL’s Natore Park expansion, bolster processing capacity and mitigate production challenges. Together, these regional dynamics reflect a balance between urban demand in Dhaka and rural production growth in Khulna and Rajshahi, supported by government policies aimed at ensuring supply stability and fostering rural economic development.