India’s Government Implements New Wheat Stock Limits to Curb Price Surge and Ensure Food Security

New Delhi, India – In a bid to maintain food security, prevent hoarding, and counteract surging wheat prices, the Indian government has announced revised wheat stock limits, effective immediately. The move comes as part of the “Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023,” issued on June 12, 2023, and applies to all states and union territories until March 31, 2024.

To address rising wheat prices, the Central Government has adjusted the wheat stock limit for traders, wholesalers, and big chain retailers. The revised limits are as follows:

• Traders/Wholesalers: 2000 MT
• Big Chain Retailers: 10 MT per outlet and 2000 MT at all their depots

These adjustments aim to stabilize wheat prices, which have shown an upward trend in recent times.

In addition to these changes, all entities involved in wheat stocking, including processors and retailers, are now required to register on the newly established Wheat Stock Limit Portal, accessible at https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login. Furthermore, they must diligently update their stock positions every Friday. Failure to comply with these requirements or violations of the stock limits will result in appropriate punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Entities currently holding stocks exceeding the prescribed limits must bring their stock levels within compliance within 30 days of this notification.

Both the Central Government and State Governments will closely monitor and enforce these stock limits to ensure that there is no artificial scarcity of wheat in the country. This proactive approach is designed to safeguard food security and control wheat prices, thus ensuring the easy availability of this essential commodity for all citizens.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution will maintain vigilant oversight of wheat stock levels, taking action as needed to stabilize prices and maintain a steady supply of wheat throughout the nation. Stay tuned for further updates on this crucial development in India’s food security measures.