Revised rates hit APL ration cards
Under Himachal Pradesh’s Public Distribution System, the government has lifted the prices of two essential commodities for families holding Above Poverty Line (APL) cards. The new rate for sugar is Rs 52 per kilogram, up from Rs 48. Likewise, the cost of urad dal has been adjusted to Rs 117 per kilogram, a rise from Rs 112.
The increase arrives just as the festive season intensifies household spending on sweets, snacks, and traditional meals, making the higher sugar price especially burdensome for celebratory cooking.
Stock shortages at select depots
Alongside the price changes, several government warehouses are reporting temporary stock-outs. In a few districts, urad dal and mustard oil have run dry at certain ration shops, limiting the flow of these staples to consumers.
These supply glitches add another layer of difficulty for shoppers, who are already coping with a pre‑holiday surge in demand for essential food items.
Extra kilogram of flour eases the pinch
To soften the impact of the price rise, the state has announced a modest relief measure for all ration‑card holders. Throughout October, beneficiaries will receive one additional kilogram of wheat flour, raising the monthly quota to 13 kg instead of the usual 12 kg.
This added kilogram is meant to provide a small financial cushion as families navigate the higher costs of sugar and urad dal.
For APL households, the new rates translate into a higher outlay for these two items through the public distribution network. Coupled with intermittent supply issues at some depots, the festive period poses a steeper budgeting challenge for ration consumers across Himachal Pradesh.
