Summary Edible oils industry is using synthetic and natural antioxidants to enhance the oxidative stability of bulk edible oils. Due to safety concerns of BHA, BHT and TBHQ, there is an ongoing effort to find an effective and safe replacement. Finding a safe antioxidant or its synergistic mixture, which delays, retard or prevent the oxidation of bulk oil without changing the colour or flavour upon addition is a challenge. In this review, a brief account of chemical basis of oxidative deterioration of the stored oil is given. The effectiveness of most widely experimented antioxidants such as tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and its derivatives, lignan compounds, flavonoids, polyphenols and phenolic acids in various edible oils have been reviewed. Further, the synergistic and antagonistic combination of these antioxidants in controlling oxidative degradation of edible oils has been discussed. Role of antioxidants in enhancing oxidative stability of bulk edible oils.