India could scrap a 40% duty on wheat imports and cap the amount of stocks traders can hold to try to dampen record high domestic prices in the world's second biggest producer.
Govt's grain stock reduction is a good development
Food Corporation of India (FCI), nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrains, has purchased 187.86 lakh tonnes of wheat so far at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rs 37,852.88 crore.
As per govt data, average retail prices of packaged edible oils have ease slightly, except for groundnut oil, across country since beginning of this month and are ruling between Rs 150 and 190 per kg.
UAE's economic ministry cited international developments that have affected trade flows as the reason behind the suspension
Policy rollbacks and modifications happening too frequently spook businessmen - both domestic and global
The price of wheat has jumped in the international markets after India announced a ban on the export of the staple cereal and due to the reduced production prospects in Ukraine following the invasion
Retail prices of wheat, rice, sugar and edible oils are showing a declining trend after the measures taken by the govt, including curbs on exports of wheat and sugar, says Food Secy Sudhanshu Pandey
After India banned wheat exports on May 13, the secretary said five-six countries have requested for Indian wheat and the govt has formed a committee to clear the grain for export to such nations
Overall food grains production was estimated to be 314.51 million tonnes, more than the 310.74 million tonnes last year.
Only exports backed by letters of credit (LCs), or payment guarantees, issued before May 13 can proceed before the ban takes effect, India has said
The price, which was already high in the wake of Russia's invasion of major wheat exporter Ukraine, jumped to €435 ($453) per tonne as the European market opened
Wheat export ban should have been avoided
If India's wheat ban leads to higher price of substitutes like rice, then there could be upward pressure on other food prices
Traders say market is still biased towards demand; while this could come as some relief to the farmers, a major price spike in the months ahead seems unlikely
Till May 14, some 18 million tonnes of wheat have been bought for Central pool; that's 51% lower than the procurement during the same period last year
India's decision to halt wheat exports came as a record-breaking heat wave parched the crop during a crucial period, spurring estimates of slumping yields.
The party also termed the government's decision to ban wheat exports as anti farmer.
According to an official notification, India has banned wheat exports with immediate effect as part of measures to control rising domestic prices
The country has enough wheat in stocks and it is monitoring supplies, the government assures mill owners.