New Delhi: Groundnut prices witnessed a significant increase during the week of October 10-16 due to limited supply in major markets of key producing states and continued strong buying by oil millers, traders, and government agencies. In Rajkot, Gujarat, the leading producing state, the price jumped by Rs. 750 to Rs. 6000/9000 per quintal. Similarly, in Solapur, Maharashtra, and Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, groundnut prices increased by Rs. 300 each, reaching Rs. 9000 per quintal and Rs. 6000/6600 per quintal respectively. Prices also rose by Rs. 100 in Jhansi.

Daily arrivals of groundnuts in the Rajkot market ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 bags, while arrivals in each market of Uttar Pradesh remained below 5,000 bags. The Gujarat government has projected a record groundnut production in the state this year, but the supply in the markets is not commensurate with this estimate. This is providing strong support to prices.

Trading in shelled groundnut kernels remained normal. Even after Indonesia lifted import restrictions, Indian exporters are not very enthusiastic and are showing less activity in shipping to Indonesia. During the week under review, groundnut kernel prices were slightly higher in Solapur and softer in Nagpur.

The price of loose groundnut oil remained stable at Rs. 1600 per 10 kg in Gondal, Rajkot, Junagadh, and Jamnagar in Gujarat, but increased by Rs. 40 to Rs. 1600 per 10 kg in Ahmedabad. Additionally, groundnut oil prices increased by Rs. 40 per 10 kg in Bikaner and Newai-Tonk, and by Rs. 20 in Chennai. Branded Oils

The price of branded groundnut oil remained stable at ₹2600 per tin (15 liters) in Kota, but the price of filtered groundnut oil increased by ₹10-20 per 10 kg in Jaipur and Niwai. Groundnut de-oiled cake (DOC) witnessed better trading activity, leading to a price increase of ₹1000-2000 per ton. Groundnut prices are expected to remain strong in the future.