Kerala’s Civil Supplies Corporation, Supplyco, announced a monumental achievement during the recent Onam festival season, reporting record sales of ₹386 crore. This impressive figure includes ₹180 crore generated from essential items sold at subsidized rates, a testament to the corporation’s commitment to affordability. This announcement was made by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, G.R. Anil, during a session in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Minister Anil highlighted the government’s effective market interventions, which successfully kept prices in check throughout the Onam period, ultimately saving money for countless households. As part of these efforts, a staggering 1.49 lakh tonnes of rice, valued at ₹598 crore, was distributed through the state’s ration shops.
A prime example of these successful interventions was in managing coconut oil prices. The government ensured that Kerafed’s coconut oil was available through Supplyco outlets at ₹457 per litre, significantly lower than the open market price of ₹529 a litre. This price was later reduced even further, allowing the popular Kera brand to be sold for ₹429.
For the Onam festivities, Supplyco’s own Sabari brand of coconut oil was offered at a subsidized price of ₹339 per litre, while the non-subsidized rate was ₹389.
Looking ahead, Minister Anil declared that starting September 22, the subsidized price for Sabari coconut oil would be reduced to ₹310 per litre, with the non-subsidized price set at ₹359 per litre. Additionally, Kerafed’s Kera brand will be retailed at a wholesale price of ₹419 per litre from the same date. The Minister also assured the public that coconut oil prices are expected to see further reductions in the coming month.