Supply Shortage Strengthens Case for Price Rise in Domestic Chickpeas
20-Aug-2026 11:24 AM
New Delhi: Arrivals of domestic chickpeas (*desi chana*) in producing markets remain consistently low. Compared to the same period last year, current market arrivals are reported to be down by approximately 40 percent. Due to these weak arrivals, pulse mills are struggling to secure adequate raw material. Consequently, prices for domestic chickpeas have risen by about ₹200 per quintal over the past fortnight.
Widespread Supply Shortage; Farmers Hold Limited Stocks
Chickpea supplies from almost all major regions have dwindled over the last two weeks. Farmers have already sold the bulk of their stocks, and arrivals in producing markets remain limited. Supply from distant markets has been disrupted by rising transportation and truck freight costs, driven by the Iran-Israel-US conflict. The impact of this scarcity is evident in the Delhi market as well; with the emergence of even moderate buying interest, 'Rajasthan-line' chickpeas at Lawrence Road have reached ₹6,450–6,475 per quintal. Chickpea grains are reported to be relatively smaller this year, suggesting a likely decline in yield per hectare.
NAFED Sales Limited but Fetching High Prices
Given the market supply situation, NAFED is currently limiting its sales volume and is reportedly securing good prices. Market sources indicate that NAFED holds a stock of approximately 18–19 lakh tonnes, which can be released into the market if the need arises.
Imported Chickpeas Also Expensive
Amidst weak domestic supply, imported chickpeas are failing to provide significant relief to the market. Prices in Australia are hovering around $670–$680 per tonne. High ocean and inland freight costs are making imports expensive. Under current conditions, transporting chickpeas from producing markets to Delhi incurs an additional cost of around ₹300 per quintal or more. Recent price hikes of approximately $20–25 per tonne for Australian chickpeas have raised import costs.
Pulse mills continue need-based buying
Given the high costs of both domestic and imported chickpeas, pulse mills are purchasing strictly according to their requirements. While buying activity is not aggressive—partly due to subdued pulse prices—mills are compelled to remain active in the market because of the limited availability of raw material.
Focus on the ₹6,500 level
Factors such as weak domestic market arrivals, limited farmer stocks, expensive imports, and rising transportation costs are underpinning strength in the chickpea market. If arrivals at producing markets remain low, domestic chickpea prices could potentially reach the ₹6,500 per quintal mark.
However, intermittent price softening is possible due to weaker demand for pulses at higher price levels and increased profit-booking. The 1.8–1.9 million tonnes of stock held by NAFED remains a potential source of additional supply during periods of rising prices. Nevertheless, the market trend currently remains bullish, driven by low arrivals and high import costs.