The Central government has withdrawn the wheat stock limit order issued in May 2025, citing improved availability of the grain and a comfortable domestic supply position ahead of the upcoming festive season.
The decision follows continuous monitoring of wheat prices and stock levels to ensure smooth availability across the country. The withdrawal pertains to the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2025, which was issued on May 27, 2025 and applied to all states and Union Territories.
While stock limits have been lifted, the government has made it mandatory for all wheat-stocking entities to continue declaring their stock positions every Friday on the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) portal. Officials said this measure would help maintain transparency and enable close monitoring of market conditions.
According to stock declarations filed by private entities for the 2025–26 marketing year, wheat availability in the private sector is significantly higher than last year. Total reported stocks currently stand at around 81 lakh metric tons (LMT), nearly 30 LMT higher on a year-on-year basis, indicating a strong supply position in the domestic market.
Price data from the Department of Consumer Affairs also shows a declining trend in wheat prices, particularly in the wholesale segment. Wholesale prices have fallen from Rs 2,970.10 per quintal last year to about Rs 2,852.30 per quintal at present, reflecting subdued demand and surplus supply conditions.
In addition to higher stocks, wheat acreage during the ongoing rabi season has increased beyond normal expectations. Sowing has reached 334.17 lakh hectares, up from 328.04 lakh hectares last year, signaling continued farmer preference for wheat cultivation. Officials attribute this trend to assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement and favorable market signals, raising expectations of another robust harvest.
The government said sufficient wheat stocks are available to meet the requirements of the Public Distribution System (PDS), other welfare schemes, and any potential market interventions, if required. The Department of Food and Public Distribution will continue to closely monitor wheat prices and stock positions to ensure stable availability and prevent any artificial scarcity or price volatility.
The move to withdraw stock limits is expected to ease market operations for traders and millers while reinforcing confidence in the country’s food security situation ahead of the festive demand season.