Navi Mumbai: Prices of major pulses have risen by Rs 10-20 per kg in Vashi APMC wholesale market in recent weeks amid supply shortages, deficient monsoon rainfall, drought conditions, higher logistics costs and festive demand. Retail prices have increased by Rs 20-30 per kg.Pulse prices at the wholesale market rose by an average of Rs 15 from the previous month because of tight local supplies.Grain, Rice and Oilseeds Merchants’ Association (GROMA) president Bhimji Bhanushali said lower food grain arrivals followed drought conditions across Maharashtra. Wholesale price increases were being reflected in retail markets, where restrictions were limited, he said. Rohan Sawant, a consumer, said the recent hike in prices has disturbed the kitchen budget badly. Wholesale chana prices climbed from Rs 72 to Rs 82 per kg over the past month, while retail prices increased from Rs 110 to Rs 130. Tur prices rose from Rs 90 to Rs 105 per kg at APMC, while retail tur dal averaged about Rs 150 per kg, up from Rs 120 in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Wholesale moong dal prices increased from Rs 95 to Rs 105 per kg, while retail prices averaged Rs 140.A wholesaler said prices could continue rising because of production losses in growing regions across Maharashtra and elsewhere in the country. Bhanushali said major pulse-producing states received below-average rainfall during the June-Sept monsoon, prompting drought declarations in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Millers and stockists had also increased inventories before the festive season, while annual increases in minimum support prices affected selling prices. APMC grain market director Nilesh Veera said premium Kolam rice prices had risen from Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg over the past fortnight, while basmati rice prices were also affected. Basmati rice prices rose by an average of Rs 5 per kg, while wheat and millet prices remained unchanged. Veera said govt was considering reducing import duty on pulses to stabilise the local market, but its impact was yet to be seen.
