Ludhiana, May 3 -- Ahead of upcoming quarterly ration distribution starting in May, fair price shop (FPS) owners, often dubbed as ration depot holders in Ludhiana have demanded an increase in their commission from the existing Rs.90 to Rs.200 per quintal, citing rising operational costs and inadequate compensation.

Charanjeet Singh, a local depot holder, said, "In August 2024, the state government revised our commission from Rs.50 to Rs.90 per quintal. But even this increase is insufficient to cover the escalating expenses. In urban areas, monthly rent for a depot averages around Rs.3,000. Add to this the electricity cost at Rs.10 per unit, wages for labourers who unload and store wheat bags, and handle losses, we are left with no margin...