Centre Imposes Nationwide Wheat Stock Limits Till March 2026 to Curb Hoarding, Stabilise Prices
India has imposed new wheat stock limits from May 27, 2025, to March 31, 2026, to curb hoarding and stabilize prices. Traders can hold 3,000 MT, retailers 10 MT per outlet, and processors 70% of Monthly Installed Capacity. Stocks must be declared weekly on a government portal. Entities must comply within 15 days or face legal action.
Centre has imposed fresh stock limits on wheat across India in a bid to curb hoarding and ensure food security. The new restrictions, which took effect from May 27, 2025, will remain in place until March 31, 2026, and apply uniformly to all states and Union Territories. These limits target traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, and processors, aiming to prevent artificial scarcity and keep wheat prices in check.
Under the new order, traders and wholesalers are allowed to stock a maximum of 3,000 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat. Retailers can hold up to 10 MT per outlet, while big retail chains can stock 10 MT per outlet, multiplied by the total number of outlets, this includes all retail and depot stocks combined. Wheat processors are permitted to stock up to 70% of their Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC), multiplied by the number of remaining months in the financial year 2025–26.
All entities dealing in wheat are now required to declare and update their stock levels every Friday on the government’s wheat stock portal. Initially available at evegoils.nic.in, the portal will soon migrate to foodstock.dfpd.gov.in. Any violation of the stock limits or failure to register on the portal could lead to action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Entities that currently hold stocks above the permitted limits must reduce their quantities within 15 days of the notification. Both central and state government officials will be actively monitoring the situation to ensure compliance and to prevent any market manipulation.
The government said that it has already procured 298.17 lakh metric tonnes of wheat as of May 27, 2025, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and various state agencies. Officials assured that this stock is adequate to meet the requirements of the Public Distribution System (PDS), Other Welfare Schemes (OWS), and other market intervention measures.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is keeping a close eye on wheat stock levels to maintain price stability and ensure adequate availability for consumers across the country.
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Source : Krishi Jagran
