THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though the price of ration kerosene has been reduced from Rs 73 to Rs 71 per litre, the beneficiaries have to pay a higher price. Kerosene was sold at Rs 76 and Rs 73 in most places today.

This situation comes five days after the rationing controller issued an order on behalf of the Food Public Distribution Commissioner to fix the new prices as per the price revision by the oil companies. Cardholders are not getting the benefit of this because traders charge the same price at the time of stocking of kerosene and the lower price is not recorded in the e-POS system even after the order is placed. The IT cell of the Food Public Distribution Department is the authority that should take action for the price change in the e-POS.

In 4 months, the price of kerosene has decreased by Rs.10. The price was reduced from Rs 84 in October to Rs 73 in January. However, time was given till January 13 to sell the overpriced stock. The commissioner's order has stated that the loss will be adjusted to the traders who still have old stock. Priority category yellow card holders will get one liter and pink card holders will get half a liter.