Government Concerned Over Rising Retail Prices of Major Pulses

New Delhi. The Union Department of Consumer Affairs has stated that the recent surge in the retail prices of pulses—despite a normal stock and supply situation—is a cause for concern, and a plan is being devised to curb this trend.

According to the Department, the prices of *chana* (chickpea) and its split version (*dal*) have increased in recent weeks. On an all-India basis, the average retail price of *chana dal* was recorded at ₹89.59 per kg on October 6; by November 6, it had risen by 5.53% to ₹94.54 per kg.

Government data indicates that domestic *chana* production increased by 12.6%—from 11.11 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season to 12.51 million tonnes in the 2025-26 *rabi* season—and there have also been robust imports. Despite this, prices have continued to show an upward, firm trend.

Currently, the total government stock of pulses stands at a peak of 3.8 million tonnes, which is 300,000 tonnes above the mandated buffer stock level of 3.5 million tonnes.

This includes 1.61 million tonnes of *chana*, 0.97 million tonnes of *tur* (pigeon pea), 0.64 million tonnes of *moong* (green gram), 0.53 million tonnes of *masoor* (lentil), and 44,000 tonnes of *urad* (black gram).

During the five-month period from April to August 2026, pulse imports rose to 2.06 million tonnes—a 67% increase compared to the same period in 2025—as importers sought to boost supplies in anticipation of a potential decline in domestic production.

The inflation rate for pulses in September 2026 was 4.68% higher than in September 2025. A lack of rainfall during the current year is likely to lead to a decline in the production of Kharif-season pulse crops, while the yield of Rabi-season pulses also remains uncertain.