Higher rates affect APL ration cards
Under Himachal Pradesh’s Public Distribution System, the prices of two essential commodities have been adjusted for families holding Above Poverty Line (APL) cards. Sugar will now be sold at ₹ 52 per kilogram, up from the earlier ₹ 48. The price of urad dal has also risen, moving from ₹ 112 to ₹ 117 per kilogram.
The change comes just as the festive season intensifies household spending on sweets, snacks, and traditional dishes. The jump in sugar price, in particular, could strain budgets as families bake more treats for celebrations.
Stock shortages at some depots
Alongside the price revisions, several government warehouses are reporting temporary stock gaps. Reports from a few districts indicate that urad dal and mustard oil have run out at certain depots, limiting the flow of these items to ration shops.
These supply hiccups add another layer of worry for consumers, especially as the pre‑holiday rush heightens demand for basic foodstuffs.
Extra flour allocation provides modest relief
To cushion the impact of higher prices, the state government has introduced a small relief measure for all ration‑card holders. Throughout October, beneficiaries will receive one extra kilogram of wheat flour, raising the monthly allotment to 13 kg instead of the usual 12 kg.
This additional kilogram is meant to ease the financial pressure on families, offering a modest buffer as they contend with the increased costs of sugar and urad dal.
For APL households, the new rates mean a higher outlay when purchasing these two items through the public distribution network. Coupled with intermittent supply issues at certain depots, the festive period presents a tougher budgeting challenge for ration consumers across Himachal Pradesh.
