A constant surge in prices of edible oils and pulses has wreaked havoc upon the monthly budgets of families. Over the last 12 months, Sunflower seed prices have surged by 50 per cent across all metros. While mustard oil and palm including others demand a 30 per cent surcharge. Gram dal and Tur dal too have recorded a spike of up to 25 per cent in Kolkata. As per the latest data, retail inflation was at a 6-month high in May 2021 at 6.3 per cent. This posed a stiff challenge to the already pressurised RBI, which is struggling to put growth back on track. Economists have also warned that growing rural inflation at 6.5 per cent, is a cause of concern.