Onam relief: Supplyco to sell coconut oil at subsidised rates

Thiruvananthapuram: Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil has announced that Supplyco will sell coconut oil at a subsidised rate of ₹339 per litre during Onam. The non-subsidised rate at Supplyco outlets has been fixed at ₹389 per kg.

As part of the festive relief, the price of Supplyco’s subsidised Sabari coconut oil has been cut by ₹10 per litre, while the non-subsidised price has been reduced by ₹40. Each ration card will be eligible for two litres of coconut oil at the lower rate. The minister said market intervention measures have been strengthened to check soaring prices, adding that such a steep rise in coconut oil rates has not been seen in recent times.

The Food Department has also ensured the availability of essential commodities in Supplyco outlets. Yellow card holders and residents of welfare institutions will receive free Onam kits containing 15 items, including a cloth bag, from August 26.

Meanwhile, Supplyco supermarkets offered a special one-day discount on August 24, selling Kera brand coconut oil at ₹445 per litre. The oil, which costs ₹529 in the open market, had earlier been available at ₹457 through Supplyco outlets. The fresh discount reduced the price by another ₹12. From August, Sabari brand coconut oil has also been sold at ₹349 per litre under subsidy and ₹429 without subsidy as part of efforts to curb festive season price surges.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state is taking measures to curb inflation and ensure affordable Onam celebrations. He accused the Centre of denying additional rice despite repeated requests, adding that the state government has procured 2.5 lakh quintals of food grains to meet the festival demand.