Steep hike in mustard oil price hits 48 lakh BPL families in state

In a move affecting over 48 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries across Haryana, the state government has sharply increased the price of mustard oil distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Starting this month, the cost for two litres of mustard oil has surged from Rs 40 to Rs 100 — a two-and-a-half times hike.

Major setback

A slight increase would have been understandable, but this steep hike is excessive. Mustard oil is an essential commodity; we simply cannot do without it. — Sonu, a beneficiary from jhajjar

The revised pricing was conveyed through a circular issued by the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to all district authorities yesterday. The circular, issued by the Joint Director (PDS), instructs District Food and Supplies Controllers (DFSCs) to implement the hike with immediate effect.

“You are directed to charge Rs 100 for two litres of mustard oil from beneficiaries and ensure its availability. Depot holders must deposit the collected amount accordingly so that oil distribution continues as per the revised rates,” the letter states.

In Rohtak district alone, 1,82,875 beneficiaries are directly affected. Confirming the development, Virendra Singh, DFSC, Rohtak, said the new price is now in effect. “Besides mustard oil, wheat and sugar are also provided to BPL and AAY cardholders under the PDS,” he added.

The price hike has triggered anger and anxiety among low-income families already struggling with inflation.

“Poor families are already finding it difficult to survive amid soaring prices of essentials. This hike has added more pressure to our daily lives,” said Ramesh, a BPL cardholder in Rohtak.

Sonu, a beneficiary from Jhajjar, called the move “unfortunate” and a “major setback” for the poor. “A slight increase would have been understandable, but this steep hike is excessive. Mustard oil is an essential commodity; we simply cannot do without it,” he said.

Beermati, another PDS beneficiary, echoed similar concerns. “We are already struggling to afford basic food items and now the government expects us to pay Rs 100 for mustard oil. This is not a small increase — it’s a huge jump.”

Monu, a grocer, said a two-litre bottle of mustard oil was currently being sold in the market for Rs 300.

As per the government data, the hike will impact large numbers of beneficiaries in every district — Faridabad (3,49,871), Hisar (3,41,338), Karnal (3,01,682), Panipat (2,54,683), Sirsa (2,60,822), Sonepat (2,55,966), Yamunanagar (2,51,270), Ambala (2,04,220), Jind (2,58,727), Kaithal (2,14,706), Rewari (1,56,494), Kurukshetra (1,85,779), Gurugram (1,80,201), Jhajjar (1,63,042), Mahendragarh (1,70,261), Fatehabad (1,91,432), Palwal (2,26,984), Nuh (2,45,829), Panchkula (85,229), and Charkhi Dadri (89,915).