Weekly Review – Masoor (Red Lentils)
16-May-2026 09:29 PM
Stability in Masoor Market; Slight Recovery Driven by Rising Demand
Mumbai: The Masoor market maintained an atmosphere of stability throughout the current week. However, a slight recovery in prices was observed towards the weekend as market inquiries increased. Due to limited demand from pulse mills, prices for domestic Masoor currently remain stable, whereas an improvement in prices for imported Masoor has been recorded at various ports. According to trade sources, Masoor prices in key producing markets (mandis) continue to hover below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹7,000 per quintal. In the markets of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, total Masoor arrivals during the current season have remained lower than normal levels, as production is estimated to be lower this year. Pulse mills are currently purchasing only as per their immediate requirements; however, given that it is the peak consumption season, demand for Masoor dal remains steady in the states of Bihar, Bengal, and Assam. Supported by improved consumer demand, further appreciation in Masoor prices is anticipated in the coming days. Driven by this improvement in demand, prices for imported Masoor witnessed a recovery of ₹25–50 per quintal this week. Following this recovery, the prevailing rates settled at ₹5,925 per quintal for Canadian origin, ₹5,975 for Hazira delivery, ₹6,175 for Canadian container shipments, and ₹6,175 per quintal for Australian Masoor.
Australia
Exports of Masoor from Australia have now begun to decline rapidly. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), a significant drop in Masoor shipments was recorded in March 2026 compared to February 2026. Exports specifically destined for India and the United Arab Emirates have been severely impacted. As per the report, a total of 1.085 million tonnes (10.85 lakh tonnes) of Masoor was exported from Australia during the period spanning October 2025 to March 2026. This included shipments of 5.45 lakh tonnes in the October-December quarter, 2.81 lakh tonnes in January, 1.74 lakh tonnes in February, and a mere 85,000 tonnes in March. During this period, a total of 4.82 lakh tonnes of Masoor (red lentils) were exported to India; however, shipments dropped to just 6,000 tonnes in March 2026. According to trade sources, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has exacerbated difficulties for Australian exporters, thereby impacting global supply.
Delhi
With buying and selling activity remaining limited, no significant price fluctuations were observed in Delhi during the current week. By the weekend, prices settled at ₹7,600 per quintal for 'Small Kota' variety, ₹8,600 for 'Bundi', ₹8,700 for 'Uttar Pradesh' variety, and ₹6,750–₹6,775 for the 'Desi Large' variety.
Madhya Pradesh
Due to sluggish consumer demand, neither a rise nor a fall in prices was witnessed for Madhya Pradesh Masoor this week. At the weekend, prices remained steady at ₹5,800–₹6,200 per quintal in Ashoknagar, ₹6,100–₹6,300 in Bina, ₹6,000–₹6,300 in Ganj Basoda, ₹6,200–₹6,400 in Sagar, ₹5,800–₹6,700 in Damoh, ₹6,100 in Indore, ₹6,706 in Kareli, and ₹6,650 in Katni.
Uttar Pradesh
As demand tapered off, a decline of ₹150 per quintal was recorded in the prices of 'Small Masoor' and ₹100 per quintal in 'Large Masoor' varieties in Uttar Pradesh during the current week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹10,100 per quintal for 'Small' and ₹6,750 for 'Bold' (Large) varieties in Bareilly; ₹5,900–₹6,000 for 'Bold' and ₹9,000–₹9,500 for 'Small' varieties in Lalitpur; and ₹6,000–₹6,300 per quintal in Orai.
Others
Due to sluggish buying and selling activity, no fluctuation was observed in the prices of Bihar Masur (Red Lentils); consequently, prices remained stable at the weekend—settling at ₹6,700 per quintal in Barh, ₹6,600 in Khusrupur, and ₹6,700 in Mokama. Similarly, no upward or downward trend was witnessed in the prices of Raipur Masur this week, with rates remaining steady at ₹6,250 per quintal at the close of the week.
Masur Dal
Influenced by the decline in raw Masur prices and weakening demand, Masur Dal prices witnessed a drop of ₹50–100 per quintal during the current week. By the weekend, prices had settled at the following levels (per quintal): Indore ₹7,400–7,500; Barh ₹7,600–7,900; Khusrupur ₹7,500–7,800; Mokama ₹7,600–7,900; Chandausi ₹9,000; and Hyderabad ₹7,700.