OMSS wheat sales remain weak, demand shows signs of slowdown

20-Feb-2026 07:09 PM

Wheat sales under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) are witnessing weakness, indicating subdued demand in the market. So far, a total of 11.30 lakh tonnes of wheat has been offered, but only 6.21 lakh tonnes has been sold, reflecting weak buying interest.

Auction data clearly shows a gradual decline in participation from buyers.

In November 2025, sales were in the range of 69–78 thousand tonnes

On January 14, 2026, there was a temporary spike in demand, with 92% of the offered quantity sold

However, this momentum did not sustain, and sales declined afterward

By February 2026, sales dropped to around 61 thousand tonnes, with weaker bidding

Overall, the average sales stood at just 55%, meaning nearly half of the offered wheat remained unsold.

The weak sales trend is mainly attributed to ample availability of wheat in the market, limited buying by flour mills, and relatively high reserve prices.

Wheat sales under OMSS are currently under pressure. If this trend continues, the government may need to adjust prices or offered quantities to boost demand and create space in warehouses ahead of fresh procurement.