Prices of pulses in city move up again

“Over the last two weeks,the prices of pulses have once again gone up – they have increased by around Rs 10 per kg. While there is a mismatch between supply and demand,it is also the rising costs of transportation that is causing a hike in the price of pulses. The increase in fuel price is one of the factors,but labour and trucks have also become expensive,” said a trader Rajendra Gokhale,at the wholesale market at the Gultekdi market yard.

Prices of tur dal had come down to around Rs 58 at the retail shops last month but now they are higher. This week,tur dal at the wholesale market itself was Rs 67 per kg – at the retail it was selling for over Rs 70 per kg.

The most expensive dal was moong dal at Rs 88 per kg,over Rs 90 per kg in retail. Last week,it was selling at around Rs 80 per kg.

“Last month prices had come down because the fresh harvest had arrived in the market. As a result,everyone wanted to clear the old stock as soon as possible and consequently the supply increased,” said a trader.

Traders also agree that partially the price rise is also artificially generated. “Some of them are hoarding the stock. At the distribution end,the supply isn’t smooth,” said Nitin Nahar,trader at the market.

There has been an an increase in the price of rice as well,though not to a great extent.