a day ago
Market intervention succeeded in controlling price rise, says Minister
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil on Tuesday said that market intervention by the government had succeeded in controlling prices of essential commodities, including rice and coconut oil, ahead of the festive season.
Addressing the media here, the Minister said the 'Kera' brand of coconut oil was available at ₹457 per litre at Supplyco outlets. He added that the cap of only one litre Kera oil on a bill had been done away with following consumers' demand. 'Supplyco's own coconut oil 'Sabari' is available at a subsidised rate of ₹349 and non-subsidised brand at ₹429. The prices of the three brands will come down again before Onam. Other brands of coconut oil are also available at Supplyco outlets at a price lesser than the MRP,' he said.
Mr. Anil said around 25,000 tonnes of foodgrains, including rice and black gram, had been procured in view of Onam. During the festival season, eligible ration card holders will be given 20 kg of raw or boiled rice at ₹25 per kg.
The Minister announced the launch of five new items under the Sabari brand such as rice flour, payasam mix, sugar, salt, and Palakkadan matta rice.
'Supplyco recorded sales worth ₹168 crore in July. Subsidised commodities to the tune of ₹60 crore were sold last month. Around 32 lakh consumers depended on Supplyco outlets last month. Sales worth ₹107 crore were recorded in the first half of August. Consumer footfall during the said period stood at 19 lakh. Daily sales crossed ₹10 crore on August 11 and 12. Sales worth ₹300 crore are expected during Onam,' the Minister said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the district Onam fairs in Thiruvananthapuram on August 25. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve will inaugurate the fair in Ernakulam on August 26.
