In a press conference hall of the Secretariat on Monday, the Minister of Food, Public Procurement and Consumer Affairs Sushanta Chowdhury said that the Food Department has decided to provide mustard oil in the public distribution system in the state on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Along with this initiative has been taken to make the ration shops of the state as model ration shops.

The Food Minister said, “This is the first time that mustard oil will be provided to the consumers through the ration shop under the initiative of the state government. 9 lakh 70 thousand ration card holders across Tripura will be given 1 liter of mustard oil per card. This mustard oil will be distributed among the consumers at subsidized prices four times a year.”

He added, “Three bidders have been awarded supply orders by the Department for supply of this mustard oil. Three brands of mustard oil, Engine, Emami and Longthorai will be offered to consumers. Mustard oil tender has been fixed at rupees 128 per litre. However, the state government has decided to give a one-time subsidy of Rs 15 more at this price.

Consumers can purchase mustard oil from ration shops at the rate of 113 rupees per liter under subsidy.”

The minister further said, “The subsidy price may change depending on the decision of the finance department. On the occasion of Durga Puja, this mustard oil will be given to the consumers through special canvas bags of the Food Department.”