In an effort to control the increasing retail and wholesale prices of wheat and wheat flour, the Centre has reduced the stock limit from 3,000 MT to 2,000 MT for traders, wholesalers, and large retailers. The Food Ministry announced that this decision was made to lower the rising prices of wheat.
The ministry specified that the stock limit will be 2,000 MT for traders and wholesalers, 10 MT for each large retailer outlet, and 2,000 MT for all their depots. There will be no change in stock limits for other categories. All wheat stocking entities must register on the portal and update their stock position every Friday. Failure to do so or violating the stock limits will result in punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Entities with stocks exceeding the prescribed limit must bring it down within 30 days of the notification. The Department of Food and Public Distribution is closely monitoring the wheat stock position to control prices and ensure availability in the country.
The Centre had previously set the wheat stock limit at 3,000 MT for traders and large retailers in the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, applicable until March 31, 2024 for all states and UTs.
According to data from the Department of Consumer Affairs, as of September 1, the wheat stock in the Central pool was 260.37 lakh MT, higher than last year but lower than 2021.
