13/04/2008 (Newindpress), Bhubaneswar - INFLATION touching all-time high and hitting the common people the most, Centre’s decision to provide 1 kg edible oil in poly pack at subsidised rate to the ration card holders from next month has come as a relief.

While the prevailing prices of palm oil are in the range of Rs 67 to Rs 70 a kg, the Centre has proposed to give a subsidy of Rs 15 on every pack.

The State has been asked to requisition its quota (for either soyabean or palm oil) before April 15. Since palm oil is mostly preferred by consumers, the State Government is likely to demand for the same, official sources said. The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department will take the Government approval soon on the issue.

The State has over 86 lakh ration card holders, including 50.12 lakh BPL families. Its monthly requirement will be about 8,000 tonne. The State Government is not sure whether the Centre could meet the demand.

In a recent communique, the Centre has informed that the Nafed will be the canalising agency for the eastern states.