Govt says there is enough food after reports of panic-buying

Union food and consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday urged people to disregard what he called misleading messages about food stocks, saying there are enough supplies available in the country after reports emerged of people stockpiling food.

- Suneera Tandon & Dhirendra Kumar

"I want to assure everyone that we currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement—whether it is rice, wheat, or pulses such as chana, tur, masoor, or moong. There is absolutely no shortage," Joshi said on X.

Joshi also directed traders and businesses dealing with essential commodities to cooperate with law and warned that those found hoarding or stockpiling will be prosecuted.

India currently holds a rice stock of 35.6 million tonnes, significantly above the buffer norm of 13.5 million tonnes, while wheat reserves stand at 38.3 million tonnes against a buffer norm of 27.6 million tonnes.

The minister's warning came as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan saw residents in border towns in Jammu, Rajasthan and Punjab rush out to buy essential goods like wheat, flour, rice and packaged foods.

Demand surged in both stores and on online platforms.

Packaged food companies said demand has increased in border cities in north India but assured of adequate supplies.