Masoor prices decline due to weak demand; pulse mill buying remains sluggish
Masoor prices in the domestic market witnessed a downward trend during the current week. The market remains under pressure due to increased selling at higher price levels and weak demand for Masoor dal (split red lentils). Market sentiment has been impacted by stockists and other market participants offloading stocks at higher levels following the recent price surge. Meanwhile, prices are failing to find adequate support as buying activity from pulse mills remains limited. Limited purchasing by pulse mills is considered the primary reason for the decline in the Masoor market. Millers are exercising caution in procuring raw material as the expected rise in Masoor dal consumption has not materialized. Selling processed dal at higher prices is also proving challenging, prompting mills to limit their purchases to immediate requirements only. Due to weak buying by pulse mills, pressure on Masoor prices is evident in both producing markets and major trading hubs. Unless demand for processed dal improves, the likelihood of a significant surge in mill buying remains limited. Prices of imported Masoor fell by ₹100–150 per quintal this week due to increased selling by importers and subdued buying interest; rates stood at ₹5,900–6,000 per quintal (Mundra vessel), ₹6,075 (Hazira), and ₹6,400 (Mumbai container – Canada origin) and ₹6,300 (Mumbai container – Australia origin).
Delhi:
Due to limited buying by dal millers, prices in Delhi saw a decline of ₹75–100 per quintal for small Masoor and ₹100 per quintal for *Desi* bold (large) Masoor this week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹7,450 for small Kota, ₹8,200–8,250 for Bundi, ₹8,600–8,650 for Uttar Pradesh varieties, and ₹6,850 per quintal for *Desi* bold Masoor.
Madhya Pradesh:
Sluggish buying led to a drop of ₹10–150 per quintal in Masoor prices across Madhya Pradesh. By the weekend, prices were recorded at ₹6,000–6,200 in Ashoknagar, ₹6,200–6,500 in Bina, ₹6,000–6,400 in Ganjbasoda, ₹6,000–6,200 in Sagar, ₹6,000–6,500 in Damoh, ₹6,200 in Indore, ₹5,200–6,661 in Kareli, and ₹6,650 per quintal in Katni.
Uttar Pradesh:
Due to sluggish buying, prices in Uttar Pradesh fell by ₹100 per quintal for small Masoor and ₹50 per quintal for bold Masoor this week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹9,800 for small and ₹6,800 for bold varieties in Bareilly; ₹6,000–6,200 for bold and ₹8,500–8,800 for small varieties in Lalitpur; and ₹6,000–6,350 per quintal in Orai.
Other Markets:
Due to sluggish demand, prices for Bihar Masoor dropped by ₹100 per quintal this week; by the weekend, prices were ₹7,000 in Barh, ₹6,900 in Khusrupur, and ₹7,000 per quintal in Mokama. Meanwhile, a decline of ₹50 was recorded in Raipur Masoor prices, settling at ₹6,500 per quintal.
Masoor Dal:
Due to sluggish buying, there was no significant change in Masoor Dal prices during the current week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹7,100–7,250 in Indore, ₹7,900–8,100 in Barh, ₹7,800–8,000 in Khusrupur, ₹7,900–8,100 in Mokama, ₹8,700 in Chandausi, and ₹7,850 per quintal in Hyderabad.
