Chennai: The Urad market witnessed a firm trend during the current week. Prices recovered following a recent decline, driven by increased buyer activity at lower price points and subdued selling pressure. Importers hold stocks purchased at higher rates, which has limited selling pressure at current market prices. A disparity between current market rates and import costs is causing importers to refrain from aggressive selling, thereby providing support to the market. Experts suggest that, given this situation, there is a possibility of further limited gains in Urad prices. However, as demand remains weak, a sharp, one-sided rally is not anticipated. In the domestic market, buying by pulse mills remains need-based; with demand for Urad dal remaining average, miller buying is limited, preventing broad-based market support. Nevertheless, the lack of selling at lower levels has fostered a trend of price stability and slight firmness. Market experts anticipate that the Urad market will trade with a firm undertone within a limited range in the near term. A significant surge in market momentum is likely only if there is a notable improvement in demand. Driven by reduced selling from importers and improved buying interest, Urad prices in Chennai rose by ₹100–₹150 per quintal this week, settling at ₹7,900 per quintal for FAQ and ₹8,625 per quintal for SQ varieties.

Due to subdued selling by exporters and an improvement in export demand, prices for Burma Urad (FAQ and SQ varieties) saw a decline of $10 per tonne each during the week. By the weekend, prices stood at $830 per tonne for FAQ and $910 per tonne for SQ.

Driven by increased demand and a firm trend at ports, Urad prices in Delhi rose by ₹125 per quintal this week. By the weekend, prices stood at ₹8,300 per quintal for FAQ and ₹8,925 per quintal for SQ varieties.

Improved demand led to a rise of ₹100–150 per quintal in Urad prices across Madhya Pradesh this week. By the weekend, prices ranged from ₹5,000–8,000 in Jabalpur, ₹4,600–7,780 in Kareli, ₹7,100–7,900 in Damoh, and ₹6,500–8,500 per quintal in Indore.

With buying and selling activity remaining sluggish, Urad prices in Maharashtra saw no fluctuation this week. By the weekend, prices remained stable at ₹8,250 in Akola, ₹4,000–7,200 in Latur, ₹7,300–8,300 in Jalgaon, ₹5,000–7,500 in Barshi, and ₹4,500–7,500 per quintal in Ahmednagar.

Increased demand caused Urad prices to rise by ₹100 per quintal this week in Krishna District and Vijayawada; by the weekend, prices in both locations stood at ₹8,350 per quintal. Similarly, Urad prices in Rajasthan increased by ₹200 per quintal, with weekend rates reaching ₹7,400–8,400 in Jaipur and ₹5,500–7,800 per quintal in Kota.

Due to limited demand, prices of Urad dal saw fluctuations of ₹100–200 per quintal this week; by the weekend, rates stood at ₹9,750–11,200 per quintal in Delhi, ₹9,600–10,600 in Bhatapara, ₹8,900–11,100 in Jalgaon, ₹8,900–9,800 in Meerut, and ₹9,800–13,500 in Indore.