Govt says there are enough food stocks, warns against hoarding

Residents in border regions rushed out to buy essentials from food grains to biscuits, prompting Union food and consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday to urge the public to disregard what he called misleading messages about food stocks, saying there are enough supplies available in the country.

- Suneera Tandon

Taking to social media platform X, he also directed traders and businesses dealing with essential commodities to cooperate with law enforcement and warned that hoarding or stockpiling will be prosecuted under the Essential Commodities Act.

The minister's warning came as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan prompted residents in border towns in Jammu, Rajasthan and Punjab rushing to buy essential goods like wheat, flour, rice and packaged foods. Demand surged in both stores and on online platforms.

Packaged food companies reported this surge in demand from northern border cities and assured adequate supply. Packaged food companies said demand has increased from border cities in north India. Companies assured supplies of adequate stock in such markets.