Centre warns of price cap on tur dal imports

The Centre warned the industry that it may impose a price cap on imported tur dal to keep domestic prices in control as it is concerned about monopoly suppliers Myanmar and Mozambique.

In a meeting held with the pulses industry and trade representatives on Monday, consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh warned the industry of tough action. "The government is very upset about the strong bullish trend in tur prices. It is also concerned about the bullying by exporting countries like Myanmar and Mozambique," said an importer from Tamil Nadu, who did not wish to be identified.

Wholesale prices of whole unprocessed tur had fallen to ₹85-90 a kg in December 2023 from last year's high of Rs 120 when the old stock was over and new crop was yet to be harvested. However, they have again increased to ₹103-105.

Industry representatives said challenges in imposing a maximum import price (MIP) include the possibility of a fall in imports. "Our vessels of tur purchased at $1,000 per tonne from Africa are already on the way to India. If the government keeps the MIP for Africa lower than $1,000 per tonne, then we are bound to incur losses," a Mumbai-based importer said on condition of anonymity.

"However, it has become clear we could import only 13,000 tonnes of tur in January this year, which indicates that Myanmar traders are hoarding the crop," said the Mumbai-based trader cited earlier.