- Revised Bharat Rice prices effective after OMSS(D) 2025-26 stock liquidation
- Limited impact expected due to approved quantities being relatively small
The government has approved the sale of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS (D)] Policy 2026-27 through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Under the policy, wheat and rice will be supplied to Central Cooperative Organisations for retail sale at government-fixed prices to ensure affordable foodgrains for consumers while maintaining price stability in the domestic market.
Key policy decisions under OMSS(D) 2026-27
The government has approved the allocation of 0.50 lakh metric tonnes (500,000 t) of wheat and 3 lakh t (300,000 t) of rice for the retail sale of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice.
The maximum retail price (MRP) of Bharat Atta has been fixed at INR 32/kg, which will remain applicable throughout the OMSS(D) Policy 2026-27 period.
For Bharat Rice, the revised MRP will remain valid until 31 October 2026, with 5 kg and 10 kg packs priced at INR 35/kg and 30 kg packs at INR 33/kg. Effective 1 November 2026, prices will increase to INR 36/kg for 5 kg and 10 kg packs and INR 34/kg for 30 kg packs.
The government has also continued Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) support of ₹2.35/kg for wheat supplied under the Bharat Atta scheme. Additionally, transportation costs incurred for supplying wheat to Central Cooperative Organizations under the Bharat Brand will be reimbursed to FCI.
The revised Bharat Rice prices will become effective only after the concerned agencies certify that stocks lifted under the OMSS(D) Policy 2025-26 have been completely liquidated.
Possible market impact
Bharat Atta priced at INR 32/kg may create some competitive pressure on open-market flour prices. In addition, any further OMSS wheat releases announced in the coming months could slow flour mill procurement.
In the rice market, Bharat Rice priced at INR 35/kg may exert some pressure on lower and medium-grade rice in the domestic market. However, premium rice varieties are expected to remain supported by export demand. Any future increase in OMSS rice allocations could weigh on non-basmati rice prices.
Market outlook
The OMSS(D) Policy 2026-27 is expected to have a limited immediate impact on domestic wheat and rice markets, as the approved allocations are relatively small. Wheat prices are likely to remain supported by steady flour mill demand, while strong export demand is expected to keep premium rice prices firm. However, Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice may exert some pressure on open-market flour and lower-grade non-basmati rice prices. Future market trends will depend on any additional OMSS releases, export demand, and overall supply conditions.
Leave a Reply