Govt Cuts Wheat Stock Limit To 2000 MT From 3000 MT To Soften Prices; Key Highlights Here

To curb the prices of wheat which are showing an increasing trend, the government has decided to cut the wheat stock limit to 2000 MT from 3000 MT for traders, wholesalers and big chain retailers for all States and Union Territories. For other categories, there is no change in stock limits.

For traders and wholesales, now the wheat stock limit would be 2000 MT. For big chain retailers, the wheat stock limit will be 10 MT for each outlet and 2000 MT at all their depots.

The move is also to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation.

All wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update the stock position every Friday.

Also, any entity which is found to have not registered on the portal or violates the stock limits will be subject to suitable punitive action under Sections 6 & 7 of the Essential Commodities Act,1955.

Further, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution on Thursday notified that in case the stocks held by the entities are higher than the above-prescribed limit, they shall have to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of the issue of the notification. Officials of Central and State Governments will be closely monitoring the enforcement of these stock limits to ensure that no artificial scarcity of wheat is created in the country.

It said the Department of Food and Public Distribution is maintaining a close watch over the stock position of Wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.

The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023 was issued on 12 June 2023 and is applicable until 31st March 2024 for all States and Union Territories.