Kanhangad: While the market in Kerala continues to thrive during the festive season, Supplyco outlets across the state struggle due to a shortage of essential commodities. 

Out of the 13 items sold at subsidised rates at the outlets in Kasaragod, only chickpeas and coriander powder are now available in stock. The customers rely on Supplyco outlets due to the availability of products at lower than market prices. A kilogram of chickpeas, for example, costs Rs 90 in the regular market but only Rs 45 in Supplyco stores. Similarly, 1 kg of coriander powder is available for Rs 79/kg in Supplyco, while it costs Rs 110 outside. 

It would have been a massive relief for the people had there been items such as rice, sugar and green grams available in the stores for similar subsidised rates. Furthermore, the suppliers refused to supply stocks to these outlets over defaulted payments. As a result, this year, Supplyco is conducting Christmas sales only in districts ranging from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur. There is widespread discontentment over the secondhand treatment meted out to the northern districts.

Consumerfed outlet

Consumefed has opened up its Christmas-New Year sale in the Kasaragod district. But sadly the sales are restricted to only a single outlet. People in the entire district will have to rely on a single outlet if they are to buy the items at cheap rates. The particular Consumerfed store is located at Kottachery-Ramnagar Road.