The poor and weaker sections of the society are vulnerable to increase in the prices of essential commodities due to their low purchasing power. The Govt. is expected to protect these sections by controlling prices of essential commodities directly or indirectly. The State Govt. continued its vigil and control over hoarding, profiteering, black marketing and speculation through “Consumer Protection Cell”. Nigran committees have also been constituted by the food & supplies department at district/sub division/block level to look after and to monitor the Public Distribution System to protect the interest of the consumers. PUNSUP is also playing an important role in providing these essential commodities. In this way, a well organised Public Distribution System was being maintained in the state through a network of 13417 fair price shops up to March, 2004.

Under the targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), below poverty line (BPL) families are being provided 35 kg. of wheat at the rate of  Rs. 4.27 per kg.  as on September 2004.  As per the decision taken by the Government of India, the distribution of rice had stopped to the State of Punjab from July, 2002. The price of levy sugar was @ Rs. 13.50 per kg. and Kerosene oil  was @ Rs.10.15 per liter as on September, 2004(Table 8.1). The number of 4889189 above poverty line (APL) families are being provided 35 kg. Of wheat @ Rs 5.22 per kg. from April 2002. The Govt. of India has stopped the levy sugar quota to the Income Tax Assesses w.e.f. July, 2000 .

Under Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme 35 kg. of wheat @ Rs. 2.00 per kg. per month is being distributed amongst the poorest of the poor.  71700, Antyodaya families were identified in the state by the Govt. of India.

During 2003-04, 1116171 Qtls.  of  wheat , 834938 Qtls.of levy sugar and 312626 kilo liters of kerosene oil have been distributed to the consumers up to March,2004.