India could sell more wheat in open market

The Indian government could sell more wheat in the open market to control prices that have reached their highest in nearly eight months, the country's food secretary said on Monday.

India, the world's second-biggest producer and consumer of wheat, has been trying to contain food prices before the start of peak festival season next month.

"There's no shortage of wheat in the country and all options are open for the government to control prices," Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on the sidelines of a wheat millers meeting.

Wheat prices have increased by nearly 4 percent in September as supplies dwindle in the face of strong demand for the coming festivals, traders said.