Stringent measures to ensure supply of only tested and safe mustard oil had caused its scarcity in the market, minister for food and consumer affairs SS Barnala said in a written reply to a question.

As much as 14.48 metric tonnes of edible oil valued at Rs 4,060 crore was imported between January to October 1998, he said.

The demand and supply of edible oils from domestic sources in the country in the oil year 1998-99 is estimated to be 82 lakh metric tonnes and 68 lakh metric tonnes respectively, the minister said.

He said steps are being taken by the ministry of agriculture under their technology mission on oilseeds to augment the productivity and production of oilseeds in the country by increasing research efforts, raising MSP for various oilseeds, giving central assistance for production anddistribution of quality seeds, he said.