Lentil Market Steadies as Indian Masoor Finds a Floor, Global Supply Stays Ample

Indian masoor (red lentil) prices have stabilized at relatively low levels, with traders seeing limited downside from current quotes. Global export prices are slightly softer, and large crops in key origins are likely to cap any sharp upside in the near term. The lentil market is entering June with a cautiously steady tone. In India, masoor prices have found support as arrivals slow and stockists resist discounting, even though dal mill demand remains lacklustre. At the same time, Canadian FOB values for major lentil classes have edged down week-on-week, while Australia is poised for a record lentil harvest, adding to comfortable global supplies. Weather in Western Canada and Australia currently looks broadly favourable, reinforcing a range-bound to mildly soft global price outlook, with India acting as a stabilizing demand anchor rather than a bullish driver.

Prices

In New Delhi’s wholesale market, masoor is quoted around ₹6,825 per quintal, with traders noting that prices had softened earlier but are now holding steady at these lower levels. Selling pressure is limited as stockists are unwilling to offload inventories aggressively at current bids, preventing further declines despite subdued physical trade.

On the export side, Canadian FOB prices (approximate EUR equivalent) as of 5 June 2026 show a modest week-on-week decline: Red football lentils around €2.23/kg, Laird green near €1.39/kg, and Eston green about €1.35/kg, all slightly below late-May levels. Chinese small green lentils are quoted lower, around €1.06–€1.09/kg FOB, with organic product maintaining a small premium.

Supply & Demand

In India, demand from dal mills is described as “not very strong”, but this is offset by reduced arrivals in producing mandis and cautious selling by stockists. Traders report that buyers are largely covering only immediate needs; nevertheless, the combination of lower arrivals and already-depressed price levels has reduced the risk of heavy liquidation.

Globally, supply conditions are comfortable. Australia is forecast to produce a record 2.2 million tonnes of lentils this season, with large unsold stocks from last year and rising plantings, particularly in South Australia. This, alongside still-substantial Canadian 2025 carryover, points to ample exportable surplus into 2026/27 and helps explain the downward pressure seen on international prices.

Fundamentals & Weather

Fundamentally, the Indian masoor market has transitioned from a softening phase to a more balanced configuration: arrivals are down versus earlier weeks, prices are already at the lower end of recent ranges, and both buyers and sellers are acting cautiously. This results in thin, range-bound trading with limited downside, as any additional weakness would likely trigger resistance from farmers and stockists.

In Western Canada, where nearly 90% of Canadian lentils are grown, seeded area for 2026 is expected to fall modestly year-on-year, but remains historically high given the large 2025 crop. Weather outlooks for Saskatchewan and neighbouring regions signal a generally warmer-than-normal and seasonally drier summer, interspersed with periodic thunderstorms. Such conditions are broadly supportive for lentil vegetative growth in June, though localized storms could cause short-term fieldwork delays rather than major production losses.

Outlook & Trading Strategy

Market participants in India expect masoor prices to remain largely range-bound in the coming weeks, with a bias toward mild recovery if dal mill buying improves from current subdued levels. Given that arrivals have slowed and prices are already at relatively low levels, traders doubt the likelihood of any sharp decline from here.

• Importers / Millers: Use current flat-to-weak global FOB values to extend coverage modestly, especially in red lentils, but avoid overbuying ahead of the Australian harvest given record crop expectations.
• Producers: In India, hold disciplined sales at current masoor levels; heavy selling is unlikely to be rewarded. In Canada and Australia, consider incremental hedging on rallies, as record Australian output and comfortable stocks limit upside.
• Traders: Focus on range trading strategies in the near term, with tight risk limits. Watch for any policy changes or unexpected demand spikes from major South Asian buyers that could briefly lift prices.

3‑Day Directional Price Indication (EUR)

• India (masoor, New Delhi equivalent): Stable to slightly firmer in EUR terms, reflecting a steady INR price floor and limited arrivals.
• Canada FOB (red & green lentils): Slight downward to sideways bias as exporters compete for demand amid ample supply.
• Australia Export Parity: Mildly soft tone as record crop expectations and unsold 2025 stocks weigh on forward values.