Government Sets Stock Limits to Control Wheat and Flour Prices

In an effort to manage the rapidly increasing prices of wheat and flour, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken a crucial step by imposing stock limits. This measure is aimed at curbing hoarding and providing some much-needed relief to consumers. Over the past two weeks, wheat prices in the state have surged by almost 8%.
Revised Stock Limits for Traders and Millers
As per the new regulations introduced by the Food Department, retailers are now allowed to stock a maximum of 50 quintals of wheat, which is half the earlier limit of 100 quintals. District Supply Controller Meena Malakar shared that the new stock limit policy was introduced on January 18 and came into effect from January 19. Previously, wholesalers and mill operators could store up to 20,000 quintals of wheat under older guidelines.
What’s Causing the Price Spike?
Experts believe the steep rise in wheat prices is largely due to insufficient reserves in government warehouses. To combat this, the government is planning to release more wheat into the market through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). This is expected to help bring the prices under control and provide some relief to consumers.
How Prices Have Changed in the Market
Over the past week, regular flour that used to cost between ₹36 and ₹45 per kilogram has now jumped to ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram. Similarly, wheat prices, which were around ₹28 to ₹30 per kilogram just a week ago, have now increased to ₹33 to ₹36 per kilogram.