Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955
The ECA empowers the central government to control production, supply, distribution, and trade of certain commodities declared "essential" in order to maintain equitable supply and fair pricing. The government can fix prices, regulate stocks, and direct production under this Act. It was significantly amended in 2020 (Essential Commodities Amendment Act) to deregulate several commodities including cereals, pulses, and oilseeds — but petroleum products remained outside deregulation.
- ECA allows imposition of stock limits and compulsory supply orders
- Under ECA invocation, the government can prioritise household LPG over commercial use
- The 2020 amendment was criticised as one of the three farm reform laws later repealed in 2021
● Tracked since March 12, 2026 · last seen April 10, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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