The Indian government has enforced stock limits on the amount of wheat that can be stored in different sectors to prevent speculative activities and hoarding. The decision, encapsulated in the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, issued on 12 June 2023, will remain effective until 31st March 2024, encompassing all States and Union Territories.
Revised Stock Limits
To stabilize wheat prices, the Central Government has revised stock limits for different entities:
|
Entities |
Existing Wheat Stock Limit |
Revised Wheat Stock Limit |
|
Traders/ Wholesalers |
1000 MT |
500 MT |
|
Retailers |
5 MT for each Retail outlet. |
5 MT for each Retail outlet. |
|
Big Chain Retailers |
5 MT for each outlet and 1000 MT at all their depot. |
5 MT for each outlet and 500 MT at all their depot. |
|
Processors |
70% of monthly installed capacity multiplied by remaining months of 2023-24. |
60% of monthly installed capacity multiplied by remaining months till April 2024. |
Mandatory Registration and Monitoring
All wheat stocking entities are mandated to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update their stock position weekly. Failure to comply with registration or exceeding stock limits will attract punitive measures under Sections 6 & 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Authorities at both Central and State levels will closely monitor adherence to these limits to prevent artificial scarcity.
Open Market Sale Scheme
To augment wheat availability and ensure affordability, the Government has initiated the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)]. Under this scheme, 101.5 LMT of wheat is allocated at a subsidized price of Rs. 2150/quintal through weekly e-auctions by the FCI. An additional 25 LMT may be offloaded during Jan-Mar 2024 based on demand. Notably, 80.04 LMT has already been offloaded, bolstering wheat availability at reasonable prices nationwide.
Furthermore, the FCI is supplying wheat to Central Co-operative organizations such as NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar for processing into atta, sold under the 'Bharat Atta' brand at Rs. 27.50/kg. Targeted sales are conducted in areas with higher prices to ensure equitable access. A total of 7.5 LMT of wheat has been earmarked for conversion into atta under the 'Bharat Atta' brand.
