Tensions in the Middle East have been making headlines — but beyond the news cycle, there's a quieter impact hitting Nepali households across Australia: grocery prices are climbing, and some of the products we rely on most are among the worst affected.
Which products are most affected?
If you've noticed your usual Nepali grocery shop charging a little more lately, you're not imagining it. The items most likely to see price rises include:
- →Mustard oil (tori ko tel) — heavily reliant on imports from India and Nepal, with freight costs rising due to Red Sea shipping disruptions
- →Lentils and dal (masoor, chana, urad) — India has restricted some pulse exports, and global freight costs are pushing prices up further
- →Basmati rice — already affected by India's export restrictions last year; ongoing fuel cost rises are keeping prices elevated
- →Ghee and cooking oils — palm oil and vegetable oil supply chains pass through affected shipping corridors
- →Frozen goods and imported snacks — anything shipped long distances is more expensive to land in Australia right now
Why is this happening?
The conflict involving Iran has disrupted shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal — one of the world's busiest trade routes. Many cargo ships are now rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope (southern Africa), adding up to 10–14 extra days and significant fuel costs per voyage.
- →Higher freight costs passed on by importers
- →Longer lead times causing stock shortages in local shops
- →Suppliers hedging by raising wholesale prices pre-emptively
- →Australia's own fuel import costs rising, flowing through to local delivery and transport
Practical tips for Nepali families
1. Buy staples in bulk where you can — rice (10 kg bags), lentils, and mustard oil have a long shelf life. Buying larger quantities now can protect you from further price rises.
2. Support your local Nepali grocery shop — local grocers often buy in larger wholesale quantities and can absorb price changes better than you might expect. They're also more likely to tip you off when a good batch comes in.
3. Flexible on brands? Ask your shop owner what's in stock — many Nepali staples have equivalent brands from India or Nepal, and your local owner will know the best value alternatives.
Tip: If your usual shop is out of stock or charging significantly more, check other stores in your city. Hamro Find lists Nepali grocery shops across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and more.
The bigger picture
Price rises from global events are unfortunately nothing new for migrant communities, who often rely on specific imported products that mainstream supermarkets don't carry. The Nepali community in Australia is resilient — and having local shops run by community members means you're more likely to get honest advice than a blank stare. We'll keep an eye on prices and update our listings when shops share changes with us.
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