New Delhi, Mar 24 (PTI) Markets regulator Sebi on Monday extended the suspension of derivatives trading in seven agricultural commodities, including wheat and moong, for a year till March 2026 in a bid to rein in prices.

The other agricultural commodities suspended by Sebi are paddy (non-basmati), chana, crude palm oil, mustard seeds and its derivatives and soybean and its derivatives.

Also Read | Sent Money to Wrong UPI ID? Here's How You Can Complaint on npci.org.in and Recover It.

The directive was initially issued on December 19, 2021, and the suspension was first set to last until December 20, 2022. But it was subsequently extended for an additional year until December 20, 2023, then again until December 20, 2024. The suspension was again extended till January 31, 2025, and then for two months till March 2025.

Now, the regulator has decided to further extend the suspension for two more months, keeping the trading restrictions in place until March 31, 2026.

Also Read | 7th Pay Commission vs 8th Pay Commission: What is the salary difference under 7th and 8th CPC?.

"In continuation of the said directions, the suspension in trading in the above contracts has been further extended till March 31, 2026," Sebi said in a statement.

The suspension permits squaring up of existing positions in these commodities, but no fresh futures trading is permitted for a year.

This move aims to curb excessive speculation and volatility in the commodity markets, particularly in these essential agricultural products, which have a significant impact on food prices and inflation.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)