New Delhi: E-auctions for the sale of government wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) have not yet commenced, nor has any quota been allocated to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for this purpose. Wheat supplies in the wholesale markets of major producing states remain normal; consequently, prices fluctuated—rising in some areas and softening in others—during the week of July 25–31, in response to demand and buying activity from millers/processors and traders/stockists.

During the week under review, wheat prices in Delhi rose by ₹15 to reach ₹2,850–₹2,865 per quintal. It is worth noting that Delhi is a consuming (trading) market rather than a wheat-producing hub.

Daily wheat arrivals here ranged between 7,000 and 11,000 bags during the week. Prices rose by ₹100 per quintal in Rajkot (Gujarat) and by ₹20 per quintal in Indore (Madhya Pradesh), whereas in Ujjain, they fell by ₹100 to settle at ₹2,500–₹2,650 per quintal.

Wheat prices remained steady at ₹2,600–₹2,750 per quintal in Kota (Rajasthan), while in Bundi, they dropped by ₹25 to ₹2,525–₹2,600 per quintal. A mixed trend was observed in the markets of Uttar Pradesh; some markets saw a slight rise in prices, while others witnessed a softening.

Stocks

Adequate wheat stocks are available in government warehouses; however, the Ministry of Food is not inclined to sell them at lower prices. The minimum reserve price for wheat under the OMSS has been set high, with additional freight and handling charges to be levied on top of it. This could potentially hinder the sale of government wheat.