New Delhi, April 15 - India's federal government is considering a proposal to distribute imported edible oils at subsidized rates for poor people, junior finance minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said in a written reply to lawmakers Tuesday.
The edible oils might be distributed through state-run fair price shops at a low price.
Edible oil prices have soared by more than 70% over the past year in India, mainly due to sharply rising global prices; the country imports more than half of its annual edible oil demand of 12 million metric tons.
Bansal said the government is also considering formulating an integrated policy for importing wheat to ensure adequate availability and stable prices.