The Food Supply Corporation has placed a significant supply order for 99 lakh liters of mustard oil, set to reach the state’s ration depots by February 5. This comes as a relief to ration card holders, who will receive their three-month mustard oil quota all at once in February. After several delays, the tender for mustard oil was finalized after being canceled four times, ensuring that the much-needed oil will now be distributed without further setbacks.
Mustard Oil Supply at Subsidized Rates: Benefiting Consumers
For the last three months, consumers in the state have faced shortages in mustard oil at ration depots. However, this new supply order will address that issue. Mustard oil will be available at the subsidized rate of Rs 146 per liter for APL (Above Poverty Line) and BPL (Below Poverty Line) families, while income taxpayers will be able to purchase it at Rs 153 per liter. In contrast, the market price of mustard oil ranges from Rs 160 to Rs 170 per liter.
Consumers will be able to buy mustard oil according to their needs at the ration depots. To ensure the supply reaches those in genuine need, the Food Supply Corporation has mandated that consumers must present cards for marriage and other social functions when purchasing.
Depot Holders to Collect Demand and Plan for Refined Oil Tender
Depot holders will first collect the demand from local residents before distributing the mustard oil. In addition to this, the Food Supply Corporation plans to issue a tender for refined oil shortly.
There are approximately 19.5 lakh ration card holders in Himachal Pradesh, and the availability of mustard oil in the state’s depots will begin in the first week of February. This marks a significant step in addressing oil shortages for the public.
State and Central Governments Offering Subsidized Essentials
In a move to support the public, the state government is providing a range of subsidized items, including three types of pulses (Malka, Mash, and Dal Chana), two liters each of refined and mustard oil, sugar, and one kilogram of salt. Meanwhile, the central government continues to supply wheat and rice, with the state government offering wheat flour to the public.
Rajeshwar Goyal, the Director of the Food Supply Corporation, confirmed that the mustard oil supply order has been finalized. He emphasized that consumers will receive their three-month mustard oil quota together during the month of February at the ration depots, ensuring no further delays in the supply.