Government of India to Tighten Wheat Stock Checks to Prevent Artificial Scarcity
27 August 2025, New Delhi: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has revised wheat stock limits across India to ensure smooth availability and check hoarding ahead of the festive season. The new limits will remain in force till 31st March 2026. The revised order applies to traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers and processors across all States and Union Territories. It has been issued under the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2025, which came into effect on 27 May 2025. Officials of the Central and State Governments will closely monitor compliance to ensure that no artificial scarcity of wheat is created.
Revised Wheat Stock Limits
| Entity | Existing Limit | Revised Limit (Valid till 31st March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Trader / Wholesaler | 3,000 MT | 2,000 MT |
| Retailer | 10 MT for each retail outlet | 8 MT for each retail outlet |
| Big Chain Retailer | Up to 10 MT per retail outlet, subject to maximum (10 × total number of outlets) MT across all depots | Up to 8 MT per retail outlet, subject to maximum (8 × total number of outlets) MT across all depots |
| Processor | 70% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) × remaining months of FY 2025-26 | 60% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) × remaining months of FY 2025-26 |
All wheat stocking entities are required to declare and update their stock position every Friday on the Wheat Stock Portal. Any violation, including non-registration on the portal or exceeding the prescribed stock limits, will invite punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Entities holding wheat beyond the revised limits will be required to bring down their stocks within 15 days of the notification.
India recorded a production of 1175.07 LMT of wheat during the crop year 2024-25. The Central Government has already procured 300.35 LMT of wheat in RMS 2025-26 through FCI and state agencies, which is sufficient to meet the requirements of the Public Distribution System, Other Welfare Schemes and other market interventions. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has reiterated that there is ample availability of wheat in the country and is keeping a close watch on stock movements to maintain stability in the market.
Also Read: Possible Decline in Wheat Production in India, Says Agriculture Minister
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