Cooking oil price rise: effect on UAE’s population & health

Vineetha Sony | 09 Feb 2023 | Middle East perspective

Ever wondered if there was a correlation between the price increase of cooking oil and the effect it may have on the UAE’s health and population? Well… an increase in the price of cooking oil can have a negative impact on the health of the population in the UAE for a few reasons.

The edible oil market in the UAE is expected to project a CAGR of 5.65% in terms of revenue and 2.99% in terms of volume between the forecasting period 2023 – 2028.

First, as the price of cooking oil rises, it becomes more expensive for people to purchase, which can lead to a decrease in the consumption of healthy fats. Cooking oils, such as olive oil and canola oil, are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. If people are unable to afford these types of oils, they may switch to cheaper oils that are high in saturated fats, which can increase their risk of heart disease.

Second, an increase in the price of cooking oil can make it more difficult for people to afford a varied and healthy diet. Cooking oil is a basic ingredient in many dishes, and as its price increases, the cost of preparing a healthy meal can also increase, making it difficult for lower-income families to access nutritious food.

Thirdly, many traditional foods in UAE use cooking oil as an ingredient, people who can’t afford it could resort to eating more processed foods, which have higher calories, lower nutritional value and are more likely to be a source of disease.

It’s worth mentioning that there are many other factors that could also come into play, such as government subsidies or food aid programs. It’s also important to note that this could be a problem for a percentage of the population and not necessarily all of it. As the cooking oil market in the UAE continues to evolve, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware, and looking for high-quality, sustainable, and specialty oils.