New Delhi, April 6 The government said on Monday that there is no "unusual volatility" in the prices of essential commodities due to the West Asia crisis, and that it is continuously monitoring the rates in wholesale and retail markets across the country.
The Centre said it has sufficient stocks of wheat and rice to meet the requirements of the public distribution system (PDS) and also any emergencies. It has also asked states to crack down on hoarding and black marketing of essential food items.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Anupam Mishra, Additional Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, said that the department is "closely monitoring the food security situation in the country."
He said the department is monitoring the prices of food commodities, ensuring supply, and also making efforts to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Mishra said the department gets prices of 40 commodities on a daily basis from 528 centers across India. The wholesale and retail prices are updated on a mobile app.
"So far, we have seen no unusual volatility in the prices of essential commodities," Mishra said.
On the supply side, he said that the production of pulses this year is higher than in the previous year.
The government has a 28 lakh tonne buffer stock of pulses. Imports of tur and urad have been allowed under free category till March 2027.
Regarding onions, potatoes, and tomatoes, Mishra said that the production of all three crops is almost at the same level as in the previous year.
"Therefore, there are no supply-side constraints. In fact, we have also started procuring onions for the buffer stock, which will also help to mitigate any unusual volatility in the onion market," he added.
Under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, Mishra said that state governments have the power to take action against any black marketing or hoarding of commodities.
"The department has been in constant touch with state governments. We have been sensitizing them and requesting them to take action if there are any instances of black marketing and hoarding," Mishra said.
He said that the department has set up a control room to have a seamless and continuous interaction with states regarding prices as well as hoarding.
"We are also closely monitoring the complaints that we are receiving through the National Consumer Helpline," Mishra said.
Complaints related to LPG are being forwarded to the petroleum ministry.
C Shikha, joint secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, said that the Centre has "adequate buffer stocks of both wheat and rice, almost three times the buffer stock norms."
She said that there is a stock of 222 lakh tonnes of wheat and around 380 lakh tonnes of rice.
"Therefore, this is quite sufficient to meet both PDS requirements as well as any emergency requirements," the joint secretary said.
In both wheat and rice, she said, there is absolutely no increase in prices over the last year.
"The domestic availability of edible oils remains comfortable despite global uncertainties. Imports from key partners are continuing steadily. Our key partners include Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, and Brazil," she said, adding that mustard production has strengthened domestic supply.
"The government will continue to monitor this closely and will intervene if required," she said. India imports more than 50 per cent of its edible oil requirement.
The retail price of sugar has also remained stable.
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