The Hindu Business Line : Millers: Supply wheat at ` reasonable' price

Wheat millers are concerned about the Union Government policy relating to customs duty on imported wheat post-December 31, when the current exemption (zero duty) would come to an end.

According to Mr. Vijay Doshi, Director of Coronation Ago Industries, importers have already stopped booking fresh orders. The voyage time could be as long as 30 days and if the ships' arrival is delayed beyond December 31, importers run the risk of having to pay customs duty, he said.

Trade organisations have begun to demand an extension of import duty concession till March so as to ensure uninterrupted flow of imports. Any delay in announcing a decision would lead to consequential delay of further imports, with implication on prices, it is feared.

Some millers have suggested the Centre must unload a part of its inventory in the open market to moderate the price effect.

Products price

On the other hand, South-based roller flourmills have demanded the Union Government must provide them wheat at reasonable prices. "We want the Government to supply wheat to the millers at reasonable price," said Mr N. Sugumar, Executive Director of a south based mill N.S.K. Food Products.

Millers have voiced their concern to various bodies of the Government through the Tamil Nadu Roller Flour Mill Association.

The prices of wheat products such as maida and sooji have increased by Rs 3, while that of atta have gone up by Rs 2 from March this year.

"Our margins are affected as we cannot transfer the entire cost of the raw material to the consumers," added Mr Sugumar

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