Govt imposes stockholding limit on wheat to check hoarding

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday imposed a stockholding limit on wheat to contain price rise even as it expects the prices of green vegetables, potato and onions to cool down as the heatwave has subsided over large parts of the country.

Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra hinted at the possibility of removing import duty on wheat, saying the government is open to all options to keep prices under control.

Wheat prices in retail markets are ruling 6% higher than the comparable period of previous year, despite the government’s claim of a bumper crop.

“I want to dispel the shortage of wheat in the country,” Chopra said, adding that the stock limit has been imposed to reduce hoarding.

For wheat, the stock limit has been imposed from June 24 till March 31, 2025.

Traders and wholesaler can stock up to 3,000 metric tonnes (mt) while retailer can stock 10 mt at each outlet, a big chain retailer can stock 10 mt for each outlet and a maximum of 3,000 mt at all its depots, and processors can have 70% of monthly installed capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months of 2024-25.The stock limit has been imposed from June 24 till March 31, 2025.