Centre holds off wheat export ban rollback ahead of polls, festivals

The Centre has decided to delay lifting the ban on wheat and wheat product exports, prioritizing price stability during the upcoming festival and election seasons, according to two people familiar with the matter.

- Vijay C. Roy & Dhirendra Kumar

With assembly elections due in key states—Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry—the price of staples like atta (wheat flour), maida (flour) and suji (semolina) has become a political priority.

Despite meeting procurement targets, the government is proceeding cautiously to avoid sparking retail food inflation, which is currently at its lowest, and giving the opposition parties ammunition ahead of the polls. The expected surge in festive demand over the coming months has further solidified the decision.

Food inflation eased to 1.78% year-on-year in April from 2.69% in March and the lowest since October 2021. Though slowing, it remains a key contributor to overall inflation.