Government may begin wheat sales in open market from August; 6–7 mt by March 2026
India may begin wheat sales under the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) from August, offering 6–7 million tonnes via e-auction by March 31, 2026. A high-level panel has recommended ₹2,550/quintal as the reserve price (excluding transport). Final quantity depends on surplus stock after meeting PDS and buffer requirements.
Wheat sales under open market sales scheme (OMSS) may begin from August and the government may offer 6-7 million tonne to be sold by March 31, 2026, through e-auction, trade sources said. A high powered inter-ministerial panel under expenditure secretary is believed to have recommended ₹2,550/quintal, excluding transport, as the reserve price.
The panel has suggested the quantum of stocks to be offloaded and timing has to be decided by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in consultation with Department of Food and Public Distribution. While deciding the quantity, FCI needs to first set aside the wheat required for the Public Distribution System (PDS), buffer norms and additional 20 lakh tonne (lt) for any exigency.
While the government needs about 200 lt for PDS, the buffer norm as on April 1 is about 75 lt, which means FCI is allowed to sell under OMSS any quantity over and above 295 lt, depending on the stock position.
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Source : The Hindu Business line
