APL ration cards feel the pinch
In Himachal Pradesh’s Public Distribution System, the government has revised the selling price of two everyday staples for families holding Above Poverty Line (APL) cards. Sugar will now be sold at Rs 52 per kilogram, up from the earlier Rs 48. The price of urad dal has also been nudged upward, moving from Rs 112 to Rs 117 per kilogram.
The adjustment arrives just as the festive season ramps up household spending on sweets, snacks, and traditional dishes. The higher sugar price, in particular, could strain budgets as families prepare extra confectionery for celebrations.
Stock shortages at some depots
Alongside the price changes, several government warehouses are reporting temporary stock gaps. In a few districts, urad dal and mustard oil have run out at certain depots, limiting the flow of these items to the ration shops.
These supply hiccups add another layer of worry for consumers, especially as the pre‑holiday rush intensifies the demand for essential foodstuffs.
Extra flour allocation eases pressure
To soften the impact of the price rise, the state has announced a modest relief measure for all ration‑card holders. Throughout October, beneficiaries will receive one additional kilogram of wheat flour, raising the monthly allotment to 13 kg instead of the usual 12 kg.
This extra kilogram is meant to provide a small financial cushion as families cope with the higher costs of sugar and urad dal.
For APL families, the new rates mean a larger outlay when purchasing these commodities through the public distribution network. Coupled with intermittent supply glitches at certain depots, the festive period presents a tougher budgeting challenge for ration consumers across Himachal Pradesh.
