New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Delhi government Wednesday said it will start selling flour at below open market rates from Saturday.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said arrangements have been made to sell good quality whole wheat flour through 132 centres in the national capital.

The government has also decided to resume sale of popular food items at revised rates from 288 Mother Dairy outlets in Delhi from Nov 21.

'The wholesale and retail price of wheat and flour has shown a sharp increase in the last three months,' said an official statement.

'Wheat dara, which was selling at Rs.13.90 per kilogram is now selling at Rs.14.50 per kilogram and flour, which was selling at Rs.14-15 in September is selling at Rs.17.50 per kilogram in the retail market,' it noted.

'The government is making available flour at Rs.13.90 per kilogram which is less than the prevalent price in the open market,' the government statement added.

It has also decided to sell whole wheat fortified flour in 10-kilogram bags at Rs.139 against Rs.189 quoted in the open market.

The bags will be sold through 84 outlets of Kendriya Bhandar, eight outlets of National Consumer Cooperative Federation (NCCF) and 40 selected outlets at the circle offices of the food and supplies department.

'There will be no need of any ration card for purchase of flour bags. The government may come out with bags of five kilogram in case it is felt necessary,' Dikshit added.

She also said the Delhi government has decided to resume sale of four popular food items at revised rates from 288 Mother Dairy outlets in Delhi from Saturday.

'Kala chana will be available at Rs.36 per kg, kabuli chana at Rs.50, chana dal at Rs.35 and rajma at Rs.44 per kilogram,' she said.