Lentils Lose Momentum as Indian Demand Softens and FOB Values Edge Lower

Lentil prices are under mild downward pressure, as softer demand in India and cautious buying by processors outweigh concerns about reduced pulse acreage and higher import costs in other segments. Imported Canadian lentils into India have slipped by roughly EUR 1–2 per 100 kg equivalent in recent sessions, while FOB prices in Canada and China show a slight easing from early July. Across the broader pulse complex, sluggish domestic offtake in India is capping rallies despite lower kharif sowing and expensive imports in urad and tur. Lentils are among the weaker performers, with both imported and domestic varieties posting declines, while chickpeas remain comparatively resilient. Internationally, Canadian acreage data and a mixed but not clearly threatening Prairies weather pattern suggest no immediate supply shock, leaving demand from South Asia as the key short-term driver for pricing.

Prices

Lentil prices in India have moved lower alongside tur and moong, reflecting broadly weak demand in the pulse complex. Imported Canadian lentils are quoted around INR 6,050 per 100 kg, down INR 100–150, while domestic lentils trade near INR 6,700, also softer by a similar margin.

FOB offers from Canada and China confirm a gentle easing trend. As of 8 August 2026, Canadian red football lentils are offered around EUR 2.10/kg FOB Ottawa, down from approximately EUR 2.13/kg a week earlier. Large green (Laird) and Eston green lentils are indicated near EUR 1.27–1.30/kg, around EUR 0.02/kg below early July values. Chinese small green lentils are quoted roughly at EUR 1.07–1.15/kg FOB Beijing, slightly weaker on a monthly basis.

Supply & Demand

Within India, lentils are trading weakly alongside tur and moong, as mills buy mainly for nearby processing and consumer demand appears price-sensitive. This comes despite a notable year-on-year decline in overall kharif pulse acreage and sharply lower sowing in urad, indicating that supply-side concerns are not yet translating into stronger pricing for lentils.

On the global side, Canada – the dominant exporter – has reported a near 11% reduction in lentil seeded area in 2026 versus 2025, with Saskatchewan plantings down almost 12%. While this tightens potential export availability, current stocks and normal trade flows, including continued imports into India, are so far sufficient to meet demand. Buyer interest from South Asia and the Middle East remains present but is disciplined, limiting upside in spot values.

Fundamentals & Weather

Fundamentally, the broader pulse complex is split: urad and tur are underpinned by expensive imports, whereas lentils and moong are feeling the weight of slow domestic demand. In India, imported Canadian lentils have lost INR 100–150 per 100 kg, suggesting that importers are trimming offers to stimulate buying. Domestic lentils, though still priced at a premium to imported material, are also edging down.

In the Canadian Prairies, recent weather has been variable, with episodes of storms, wind and localized cool spells earlier in the season, but without a clear, widespread drought signal for 2026 so far. With lentil areas already reduced, any late-season weather stress could tighten the balance sheet, yet current information points to broadly manageable growing conditions. For now, macro demand from key importers – rather than weather – remains the dominant short-term price driver.

4–6 Week Outlook & Trading View

In the coming month, lentil prices are likely to trade slightly softer to sideways. Weak demand in India, combined with cautious mill purchasing, should keep a lid on rallies even as kharif acreage data for other pulses point to potential future tightness. Global buyers are well covered in the near term, though reduced Canadian area introduces medium-term upside risk if demand revives or weather deteriorates.

• Importers / Processors: Use current softness to extend coverage modestly for Q4, focusing on preferred origins and qualities. Consider staggering purchases given downside risk from still-sluggish Indian demand.
• Producers (export origins): Avoid aggressive forward selling at current levels given smaller seeded area and possible weather risk. Scale-in sales on any rallies triggered by supply headlines.
• End users / Retailers: Expect relatively stable wholesale prices in EUR terms in the short run; hedge key needs now but refrain from overstocking until clearer signs of demand recovery emerge.

Short-Term Price Indication (3 Days)

• Canada FOB (Ottawa): Red and green lentils likely to trade flat to EUR 0.03/kg lower amid hesitant buying.
• China FOB (Beijing): Small green lentils expected mostly steady, with a mild downward bias if export demand stays subdued.
• India (ex-import equivalent): Landed Canadian lentils may see another marginal INR 50–100 per 100 kg softening if mills remain slow to restock.