The Government of India has revised wheat stock limits for traders, retailers, and processors in a move to stabilize prices and prevent hoarding, ensuring ample availability for consumers. This decision follows a record wheat production of 1132 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) during Rabi 2024, indicating sufficient supply within the country. This press release was issued on February 20, 2025.
To manage overall food security and combat speculative activities, the government has been actively regulating wheat stocks. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2024, initially issued on June 24, 2024, has been further revised to tighten stock limits, effective until March 31, 2025.
Revised Stock Limits
The revised wheat stock limits are as follows:
As part of its ongoing efforts to moderate wheat prices, the central government has announced revisions to the existing stock limits for various entities:
| Entity | Existing Wheat Stock Limit | Revised Wheat Stock Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Traders/Wholesalers | 1000 MT | 250 MT |
| Retailers | 5 MT per outlet | 4 MT per outlet |
| Big Chain Retailers | 5 MT per outlet for each outlet subject to maximum quantity of (5 x total number of outlets) MT stock at all their outlets & Depots put together | 4 MT for each outlet subject to maximum quantity of (4 x total number of outlets) MT stock at all their outlets & Depots put together. |
| Processors | 50% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) x remaining months of FY 2024-25 | 50% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) x remaining months of FY 2024-25 |
Compliance and Enforcement
All wheat stocking entities are mandated to register on the wheat stock limit portal and update their stock positions every Friday. Non-compliance, including failure to register or exceeding the prescribed limits, will result in punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Entities holding stocks above the revised limits are required to bring them within the prescribed limits within 15 days of the notification’s issuance.
Government Monitoring
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is actively monitoring wheat stock positions to control prices and ensure consistent availability across the nation. This proactive approach aims to safeguard consumer interests and maintain food security.
