Centre lowers wheat stock limits for traders, millers to boost availability, curb prices

Traders are now restricted to holding a maximum of 2,000 metric tons of wheat, down from the previous limit of 3,000 metric tons.

The Government to ensure food security and prevent hoarding and speculative practices has introduced stock limits on wheat for traders, wholesalers, retailers, large chain retailers, and processors across all states and union territories. The Centre said on September 13 that it has lowered the limit of wheat stocks that traders and millers can hold to help boost the grain's availability and moderate prices.

Traders/Wholesalers are now restricted to holding a maximum of 2,000 metric tons of wheat, down from the previous limit of 3,000 metric tons. Additionally, stock-holding limits for wheat processors have also been tightened.

The government reported a total wheat production of 1,129 LMT for Rabi 2024, indicating a sufficient supply of wheat in the country.

Revised Wheat Stock Limits:

Retailers:

-Existing Wheat Stock Limit: 10 MT for each Retail outlet.

-Revised Wheat Stock Limit: 10 MT for each Retail outlet.

Big Chain Retailers:

-Existing Wheat Stock Limit: 10 MT for each outlet and 3000 MT at all their depot.

-Revised Wheat Stock Limit: 10 MT for each outlet and (10x total number of outlets) MT at all their depot.

Processors:

-Existing Wheat Stock Limit: 70% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months of FY 2024-25.

-Revised Wheat Stock Limit: 60% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months of FY 2024-25.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced that all wheat-stocking entities must register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and submit weekly stock updates every Friday. Entities failing to register or exceeding the set stock limits will be subject to punitive measures, it said.

The ministry also added that any entity holding stocks beyond the prescribed limits must reduce their holdings to the required levels within 15 days of the notification's issuance.