Across India’s southern belt, the humble coconut is becoming a luxury. In states like Kerala and Goa, wholesale prices have soared from around ₹15-25 per nut to ₹80-100, while coconut oil costs have jumped to ₹400-500 a litre. Declining yields—due to ageing plantations, pest infestations and climate stress—are colliding with growing demand for coconut water, health-products and tourism-driven usage.

Vendors in Bengaluru say even the texture of beloved coconut chutney is changing, as they switch to thinner “runny” versions to cut costs. In Goa, local production meets only about 40 % of demand, forcing imports from neighbouring states at higher rates. 

The crunch is hitting both households and businesses: eateries complain of squeezed margins, and many families are shifting to sunflower or groundnut oils for everyday use.