News Capsule: FCI: Wheat Sales Update
22-Jan-2026 10:12 AM
News Capsule: FCI: Wheat Sales Update
★ Food Corporation of India (FCI) has seen a weaker-than-expected response to wheat sales under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) in FY26 so far. Against a total allocation of 3 million tonnes, only about 0.35 million tonnes of wheat has been sold through e-auctions.
★ Interest in OMSS auctions remains subdued due to adequate private stocks and stable prices. After two weekly e-auctions in November 2025, sales were temporarily suspended owing to weak demand and have recently resumed. The auctions are likely to continue until the second week of March 2026.
★ As of January 1, FCI held 27.12 million tonnes of wheat, compared with a buffer norm of 13.8 million tonnes. Despite high stocks, prices have not shown significant strength amid record production and expectations of another good crop in the coming season.
★ The OMSS wheat price for 2025–26 has been fixed at ₹2,550 per quintal (excluding freight), while prevailing market prices in Delhi and other major markets are around ₹2,700–2,800 per quintal. Increased government sales could further pressure prices and may affect private procurement in the upcoming marketing season.