Delhi Chana Drops ₹75 on Weak Demand; High Import Costs Curb Major Decline

The Delhi chana (gram) market witnessed a decline today due to sluggish buying by pulse mills and limited demand for chana dal and besan (gram flour). Prices at Lawrence Road fell by ₹75 per quintal, settling at ₹7,475–7,500 per quintal for the Madhya Pradesh variety and ₹7,525–7,550 per quintal for the Rajasthan variety.

Pulse millers are purchasing only according to their immediate requirements due to high prices, which has dampened the market's upward momentum. However, selling by traders is also limited, and the market may find some support from the anticipated rise in demand for dal and besan during the upcoming festive season.

Prices Supported by Limited Stocks and Costly Imports

Domestic pulse mills hold limited carry-over stocks of chana. Arrivals of indigenous chana in producing markets are relatively low, while the availability of imported stock at major ports is reported to be limited. With slow imports from Tanzania and high procurement costs from Australia, imported chana is unlikely to be cheap.

At Nhava Sheva port, prices for Australian chana (October-November shipments) have risen by $20 per tonne to reach $820 per tonne (C&F). This has increased import costs, potentially providing support to domestic market prices.

Market Eyeing Sowing Trends

Concerns persist regarding the sowing and production of the upcoming Rabi chana crop due to moisture deficiency and drought-like conditions in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, the actual impact on the crop will only become clear based on future weather conditions and sowing data.

Outlook: In the near term, the direction of the chana market will depend on buying activity by pulse mills, market arrivals, and festive demand. While weak buying may keep prices under pressure, limited stocks and high import costs could help prevent a significant decline.