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Monday, April 20, 2026
TopicEssential Commodities Act

Topic: Essential Commodities Act

Long before LPG queues, here’s how Indian kingdoms dealt with hoarding and famine

From Kautilya’s Arthashastra to Mughal policies and British non-intervention, India’s response to supply shocks has long been defined by the role of the state.

Centre invokes Essential Commodities Act to regulate gas supply as Iran and US-Israel conflict rages on

Gazette notification prioritises household fuel, transport gas and fertiliser sector as West Asia tensions raise concerns over energy supplies

Ghost of the Commodities Controller—why India’s new financial law feels like the 1970s

A liquid commodity derivatives market is essential for clear price signals. By retaining discretionary government control, the Bill blocks its development.

What caused potato crisis this year—and why Bengal’s ban hurts farmers, cold chain operators

West Bengal invoked the Essential Commodities Act to impose restrictions on potato's storage, trade, and transport. It pits consumers in Kolkata against those in Guwahati, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar.

Cases double under contentious Essential Commodities Act in 2020. Police point to pandemic

NCRB data shows that states such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, UP and Tamil Nadu witnessed a massive jump in cases related to the Essential Commodities Act.

Modi govt imposes stock limit on pulses to rein in surging prices

Prices of pulses have seen sustained inflation this year, hovering above the Rs 100/kg in the retail market. Govt move comes ahead of gradual unlocking, with the festival season just weeks away. 

Of the three farm laws, Essential Commodities Act 2020 most business friendly

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020 may not be so detrimental to the farmers producing surpluses. It is the consumers who may have to worry.

Parliament panel, comprising TMC, AAP MPs who opposed farm laws, bats for one of 3 laws

The Standing Committee on Food, chaired by TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, recommended the government to implement the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Opposed by opposition & BJP ally SAD, bill to replace farm ordinance passed in Lok Sabha

The bill gives the Centre the power to designate certain commodities like food items, fertilisers and petroleum products as essential commmodities and regulate their production, supply, distribution, and trade.

Modi govt walks the talk on agriculture reforms. Now, fix the loopholes

Modi govt has made actual legal changes to implement its policy statements on agriculture reforms. It should now plug loopholes to realise their full potential.

On Camera

Why has US not defeated Iran yet? Because Trump wants to win on the cheap

Trump's goal of ending the Iranian nuclear programme cannot be accomplished without overthrowing the Islamic regime in Iran, which is likely not possible without a ground invasion.

As Strait of Hormuz shuts again, uncertainty grips global trade & energy markets

Oil prices jumped more than 5 percent Monday, on fears that the ceasefire between the ‌US and Iran could also collapse.

Why Siliguri Corridor is strategically important for India & how it is being secured | Cut The Clutter

This special edition of Cut The Clutter, straight from the Siliguri corridor, details the strategic importance of the narrow strip of land in West Bengal, and how it’s a vital link connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.