Guwahati, July 30 -- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) sold 63.5 lakh tonnes of rice to ethanol distilleries between June 2025 and June 2026 at prices significantly lower than its procurement cost, according to a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya informed the House that FCI supplied rice worth Rs 14,596.78 crore from its warehouses to ethanol plants during the 12 months.

The rice was sold under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) at Rs 2,250 per quintal from June to October 2025 and at Rs 2,320 per quintal from November 2025 to October 2026. The price has been fixed at Rs 2,390 per quintal for the period from November 2026 to June 20...