In order to manage overall food security and prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India has imposed grain stock limits applicable to traders/wholesalers, retailers, large retail chains and processors for all States and Territories of India. Union. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions of Specified Food Products (Amendment) Order, 2023 was issued on 12 June 2023 and applicable until 31 March 2024 for all States and Territories of Union.
To soften the Wheat prices which are showing an upward trend, the Central Government has decided to revise the wheat stock limit from 3,000 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes with respect to traders/wholesalers and large retail chains as under:
- Traders/Wholesalers – 2000 MT;
- Large retailer chain: 10 MT for each store and 2000 MT in all their depots
For the other categories there are no changes to stock limits. All grain storage entities are required to register on the grain stock limits portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update the stock position every Friday. Any entity which has not registered on the portal or violates stock limits shall be subject to appropriate punitive action under Section 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
In the event that the stocks held by the aforementioned subjects are higher than the limit prescribed above, they must bring them back to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issuing the communication. Central and state government officials will closely monitor the enforcement of these stock limits to ensure that no artificial scarcity of wheat is created in the country.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is keeping a close watch on the location of wheat stocks to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.
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AD/NS