In a stern move aimed at maintaining the availability of essential commodities and controlling inflation, the Government of India has issued a clear warning to traders, wholesalers, and retailers against hoarding and stockpiling. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, announced that strict action will be taken against any individual or business entity found violating the norms under the Essential Commodities Act.
Addressing the media, the minister said, “Traders, wholesalers, retailers, or any other business entities dealing with essential commodities must cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. Hoarding or attempting to manipulate the supply chain will invite serious legal consequences.”
As part of the government’s larger strategy to ensure transparency in the market and protect consumer interests, several regulatory measures have been put in place. Traders and retailers dealing in essential items like sugar, wheat, and pulses are now mandated to disclose their stock positions regularly through official portals. Sugar traders must submit weekly stock data every Monday, while those dealing in wheat are required to report every Friday. Additionally, stock limits have been defined—such as 3,000 tonnes for wholesalers and 70% of processing capacity for millers—to prevent excessive stockholding.
The government has also activated an online stock monitoring system for pulses, requiring stakeholders to report their inventories. This move is aimed at curbing speculative practices like forward trading and ensuring that the availability of pulses remains steady across the country.
In an effort to monitor price trends, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has expanded its surveillance to cover daily wholesale and retail prices of several key food items. These steps are expected to provide early warning signals and enable timely policy interventions to safeguard consumer interests.
The Centre has urged all stakeholders in the supply chain to act responsibly and contribute to the government’s efforts to ensure price stability and smooth availability of essential goods. Non-compliance will be dealt with firmly, with legal action under relevant provisions of the law.
“No one will be allowed to exploit the market or the consumer. The government is fully committed to ensuring fair trade practices and adequate supply of essentials,” the minister asserted.
Munish Sood
