Regulation of food items: The Act empowers the central government to designate certain commodities (such as food items, fertilizers, and petroleum products) as essential commodities. The central government may regulate or prohibit the production, supply, distribution, trade, and commerce of such essential commodities.

What are the most essential commodities?

The list of items under the Act includes drugs, fertilizers, pulses, and edible oils, as well as petroleum and petroleum products. The Centre can include new commodities as and when the need arises, and take them off the list once the situation improves.

Is Rice an essential commodity?

Rice, pulses, potatoes, onions removed from essential commodities list. The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was passed by the Parliament's Upper House – Rajya Sabha – on Tuesday, thereby legitimising the legislation. ... Today it was was approved by a voice vote in Rajya Sabha.