Public Distribution System in the country has undergone organic changes from the rationing system introduced during World War II to one of the important social safety-net programs to ensure food security for all in a scenario of self-sufficiency. Under Public Distribution System, Central Govt. procures and supplies specified essential commodities to Govt. of NCT of Delhi at fixed Central Issue Prices. The essential commodities that may be sold through PDS are specified by gazette notification from time to time. The prices at which these specified articles are sold are also notified from time to time. In the past, a number of items like iodised salt, R.B.D. Palm oil, candles, Panghat Ghee and control cloth etc. have been distributed through the PDS, however, at present, PDS in Delhi is confined to two cereals, wheat and rice, and two other essential commodities viz. sugar and kerosene oil. In Delhi, PDS comprises of a network of Fair Price Shops & Kerosene Oil Depots for making available specified articles at controlled prices through Household Consumer Cards, commonly called ration cards.

The department also enforces provisions of Control Orders made u/s 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 regulating trade in specified essential commodities by keeping a close watch on stocks, prices, quality and availability of these commodities. Enforcement consists of collection of information and evidence of contravention of provisions of the relevant Control Orders and action taken against them under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act.