Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has imposed stock limits on paddy, rice, tur dal and urad dal to curb hoarding and keep essential food items available at fair prices, as prices of rice and other staples have risen sharply. The orders were issued under the Essential Commodities Act with the prior concurrence of the Centre, according to reports citing the government orders.

Source: AgriInsite (via The Economic Times)

Under the Tamil Nadu Paddy/Rice (Stock Limit) Control Order, 2026, a wholesaler may hold a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes of paddy or rice, while a retailer may stock up to eight metric tonnes at each outlet. Big chain retail shops are also limited to eight metric tonnes per outlet, subject to an overall ceiling linked to their number of outlets.

Source: News89 (via India Today)

Millers may hold stock equivalent to no more than one month's production capacity. Rice processors may hold up to 60 per cent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the number of months remaining until January 2027. For tur dal and urad dal, wholesalers are capped at 200 metric tonnes of each variety, retailers at five metric tonnes of each variety per outlet, and big chain retailers may additionally hold up to 200 metric tonnes of each pulse at every depot.

Importers cannot retain imported stocks of rice or pulses for more than 45 days from the date of customs clearance. All entities covered by the orders must declare their stock position on the portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs and keep the information updated.

Source: UrbanAcres (gazette details via Dinamalar)

Compliance deadline of November 16

Traders, millers and importers whose current holdings exceed the prescribed ceilings have been directed to bring their stocks within the limits by November 16, 2026. The stock limits on tur and urad dal will remain in force for three months, while the restrictions on paddy and rice will continue until January 31, 2027.

The move follows the Centre's concurrence earlier this month allowing five southern states to impose stock limits on paddy and rice through their own control orders, alongside mandatory weekly stock disclosure by traders across the country, as part of efforts to stabilise prices and prevent hoarding and black marketing.