THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Supplyco, which should be a relief to the poor, will increase the prices of 13 daily-use consumer goods. Green gram, coriander, sugar, coconut oil, Kuruva rice, Matta rice, cowpea, Toor Dal, chilli, black gram, dal, Jaya rice and Raw rice will increase in price. The food minister will decide on the rate of price hike.

The LDF meeting yesterday accepted the demand of Supplyco that it cannot continue the supply at the price fixed seven years ago and that the price should be increased.

The government owes 1526 crores as subsidy dues to Supplyco. Out-of-state wholesalers have stopped supplying goods due to arrears of Rs 717 crore. It was also decided to blacklist Supplyco. Due to this most of the 13 items are not available for the last few months. Rice is the only available thing. Due to the financial crisis, the government did not listen to the constant demand to release the subsidy arrears. Instead, the LDF meeting unanimously approved the price hike recommendation. Supplyco argues that a liability of Rs 500 crore per annum is incurred when subsidized goods are provided.

Dues will not be paid; let the people endure

• In 2016, the LDF manifesto promised not to increase the price of essential commodities. The second Pinarayi government also did not raise prices for two years
• When SupplyCo is going into debt, instead of protecting it by paying the subsidy arrears, the government is putting an excessive burden on the poor.
• The electricity charge was increased by 20 paise a unit a few days ago. The prices of groceries and vegetables are increasing daily in the public market

• To be paid by the government: ₹1526 crore
• Payable to suppliers: ₹717 crore
• Total Liability of Supplyco: ₹ 2970 crore

'It has not been decided how much the price increase will be or when it will be implemented. The food department will decide about it in consultation with the government. Care will be taken not to overburden the people.'

GR Anil,

Minister of Food and Public Distribution