★ The Food Corporation of India (FCI) on Friday issued a fresh tender for the sale of 1 lakh tonnes of wheat. However, the allocation pattern suggests that the tender has been structured with a clear focus on a few select states.

★ Out of the total 1 lakh tonnes on offer, 25,000 tonnes, or 25 per cent, have been allocated to Punjab, while Assam has received 14,000 tonnes. Together, Punjab and Assam account for nearly 39,000 tonnes, or close to 40 per cent of the total allocation.

★ Among other states, Haryana has been allotted 9,500 tonnes, while Uttar Pradesh has received just 5,300 tonnes. After Punjab, Haryana remains one of the most wheat-dependent states, whereas participation from other regions appears relatively muted.

★ A closer look at the distribution pattern indicates that the sale is primarily aimed at Punjab and, to some extent, Haryana. Interest from other states seems limited, largely due to the comfortable availability of wheat in the open market.

★ A similar trend was observed in the previous OMSS tender, where the bulk of purchases came from Punjab and Haryana, while other states showed minimal participation.

★ There is a divergence of views within the wheat trade regarding the need for OMSS at this stage. One section of the market believes that wheat is currently available in sufficient quantities and that government intervention through sales was not immediately required. Another section, however, feels that OMSS was necessary to keep prices in check and to prevent potential pressure on the market in the coming months.

★ Market attention is now firmly on Wednesday’s auction. Given that the tender size is limited to 1 lakh tonnes, there is growing expectation that the wheat may be sold at higher prices. Notably, wheat prices have already started firming up following the announcement of the tender.

★ Overall, the outcome of Wednesday’s auction will provide a clearer picture of whether the government’s move was timely and which states are showing genuinely strong demand.