Kottayam: After recording remarkable sales during the Onam season, Supplyco is now working on strategies to sustain this success. The corporation is considering reducing the prices of a few essential commodities, especially those that have not witnessed huge price hikes in the open market. Sources indicate that the move also comes with upcoming elections in view.

During Onam season, consumers flocked to Supplyco outlets as the corporation offered key essentials such as coconut oil, rice, and chilli at much lower prices. Now, officials are examining whether another round of price reduction is possible for coconut oil, which is currently priced at ₹339 per litre. Since the stock was procured during a period when copra prices dipped below ₹290, officials believe there may still be room to lower the price further. However, the challenge remains that coconut oil prices in the open market have started to rebound after Onam.

With the Food Corporation of India (FCI) announcing a liberal policy, Supplyco is also exploring the possibility of distributing rice at ₹25 per kilogram. During Onam, each ration cardholder was given 20 kilograms of rice at this subsidised rate. Currently, Supplyco’s retail price is ₹33 per kilogram. Under FCI’s new guidelines, individuals and institutions with GST registration can procure rice at ₹28 per kilogram until October.

Additionally, an original reduction is being considered in the prices of sugar, green gram, and other pulses. On average, Supplyco’s prices for these commodities are about ₹10 lower than those in the open market. Officials believe a further cut of ₹3 to 4 per kilogram is feasible.

The government has also directed Supplyco to engage in talks with suppliers of non-subsidised items to explore whether the special Onam discounts can be extended further. A review meeting of Supplyco’s management to discuss price comparison and related issues has been scheduled for September 16 and 17, Minister G.R. Anil said. He added that the government’s policy is clear: wherever there is scope for reducing prices, Supplyco must ensure that consumers benefit.