THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Common man who depend on Supplyco's Maveli stores to save themselves from price hikes continue to return empty-handed due to the lack of stock. The goods are not reaching the warehouses because the government does not sanction the money to be paid to the suppliers. Supplyco approached the government to release funds but to no avail. The government boasts of selling 13 types of food items at low prices to the common man.

Apart from rice, nine varieties of pulses were provided at subsidized rates through Supplyco. This is the first time that Supplyco is going through such a big crisis. The stock of non-subsidized goods is also decreasing.

Rs 400 crores is due from previous tenders. The suppliers are of the position that they will not deliver the goods without payment. Tenders were called again but no one participated. Supplyco can only move forward if atleast the arrears are cleared. But the government claims that there is no fund.