Indian Chickpeas Edge Higher on Tight Near-Term Supply and Firm Demand

Indian FOB chickpeas prices out of New Delhi continued to firm into late October, with all key Kabuli sizes posting modest week‑on‑week gains on the back of tight nearby availability and stronger replacement costs from imports. Export‑oriented Kabuli values are being underpinned by high international prices, rising landed costs from origins such as Canada and robust buying interest in North India, while wholesale mandi data confirm a 4–5% weekly rise in domestic Kabuli levels. With new‑crop sowing only about to start and arrivals still several months away, the market is increasingly sensitive to pipeline stocks and policy signals. Weather in North India has turned seasonally mild and dry, posing no immediate threat to standing pulses or sowing prospects, but moisture shortfalls from the weak monsoon keep longer‑term rabi output risks in focus.

Prices

FOB New Delhi chickpeas prices in EUR show a steady upward move across all monitored Kabuli sizes between October 17 and October 24, 2026, with week‑on‑week gains of around EUR 0.04 per kg.

Domestic wholesale indicators corroborate the firmer tone: all‑India median Kabuli chickpea mandi prices have moved to the ₹8,650–8,750 per quintal band, up roughly 4–5% week‑on‑week, while Desi chana has softened slightly, highlighting a relative outperformance of Kabuli versus other pulses.

Supply & Demand

Recent market analysis points to high international Kabuli prices and elevated import costs into Indian ports such as Mundra and Mumbai, which in turn lift replacement costs in North Indian hubs including Delhi. This has been amplified by reports that much of the earlier imported stock at ports has already been cleared, tightening nearby availability.

On the domestic side, wholesale Kabuli prices have rallied by roughly ₹400–500 per quintal during the latest up‑move, with medium‑quality product in Maharashtra quoted near ₹9,600–9,700 per quintal. Export discussions out of Madhya Pradesh and firm international demand are adding further upside pressure. With sowing for the new Kabuli crop expected to begin in November and harvest still about five months away, the market will need to be covered largely from existing stocks through the first quarter of 2027.

Government retail price monitoring shows gram dal retail values still elevated in the high‑₹90s per kg, underlining that chana‑based products remain relatively expensive in the consumer basket. However, current central policy does not signal fresh duty reductions for most pulses beyond tur and urad, implying that Kabuli and Desi chana are unlikely to receive additional import‑side relief in the very near term.

Fundamentals & Weather

India remains the dominant global chickpea producer, accounting for roughly three‑quarters of world output, so domestic conditions largely set the tone for international prices. Wholesale mandi data show Kabuli chana outperforming Desi chana in recent days, reflecting stronger export pull and relatively tighter physical availability in exportable grades.

Weather in New Delhi and the wider North Indian plains over October 24–30 is forecast to be seasonally mild and mostly dry, with maximum temperatures around 31–33°C, minimums near 17–20°C and little or no rainfall expected. These conditions are broadly supportive for land preparation and early rabi sowing, including chickpeas, though earlier reports of a sub‑par southwest monsoon and below‑average reservoir levels in parts of India keep medium‑term moisture risks in focus for pulses once sowing accelerates.

Short‑Term Outlook & Trading Ideas

Given current fundamentals, the immediate bias for Indian FOB Kabuli chickpeas out of New Delhi remains moderately bullish into the coming week.

• Exporters: Consider locking in sales on rallies for 42‑44 and 44‑46 count Kabuli at current EUR levels, but retain some upside exposure through shorter‑dated commitments, as international price strength and firm domestic demand could sustain a gradual grind higher.
• Importers / Domestic buyers: For users in the Middle East and South Asia, near‑term dips in Indian offers may be limited; phased coverage for November–January shipment is advisable rather than waiting for a significant correction.
• Producers and stockists: With Kabuli values outperforming Desi chana and new crop still distant, holding good‑quality stock appears justified, but monitor any government policy actions or sudden changes in import flows that could cap prices.

3‑Day Directional Price View (India, FOB New Delhi)

• Kabuli 42‑44, 12 mm: Mildly firmer bias over the next three days on tight nearby supply and strong export interest.
• Kabuli 44‑46, 11 mm & 46‑48, 10 mm: Expected to track 42‑44 higher, with steady to slightly rising offers as buyers seek mid‑sizes.
• Smaller counts (58‑60, 60‑62): Likely to remain supported but with less upside than bold sizes, given more flexible substitution in domestic demand.