Indian Chickpeas Hold Firm as Kabuli Market Tracks Tight Chana Supply

Indian chickpeas prices in New Delhi are broadly stable to slightly softer this week, with small discounts on some larger calibres despite firm underlying chana fundamentals. Domestic mandi data for Kabuli chana show a flat to marginally easing trend over the last month, suggesting the recent rally in desi chana has not fully transmitted to Kabuli grades yet. Wholesale Kabuli chickpeas (white) across Indian mandis are trading around ₹6,699/qtl nationally (≈€0.73/kg) as of 29 August 2026, with only a 0.5% decline over the last 30 days, indicating a broadly sideways market.  At the same time, chana averages near ₹6,200/qtl (≈€0.67/kg), reflecting still-elevated pulse values compared with government support benchmarks.  In Delhi, recent reports highlight firm demand and weak selling interest for top-quality chana, with Rajasthan-origin lots bid around ₹6,450/qtl, underlining a structurally tight supply backdrop that continues to underpin Kabuli values. 

Prices

Export- and ex-warehouse-level offers in India remain close to the national mandi benchmark for Kabuli chana, which sits near ₹6,699/qtl (≈€0.73/kg) with minimal month-on-month movement.  Broader chana prices around ₹6,200/qtl (≈€0.67/kg) confirm that pulses remain supported but are no longer in a sharp uptrend. 

Recent trade commentary from New Delhi describes firm buying for quality chana and limited farmer/seller interest, with Rajasthan-line material traded in the mid-₹6,400s/qtl.  This strength in desi chana is helping to keep Kabuli offers in a relatively tight range, even as some grades see minor week-on-week softening from earlier highs.

Note: Rupee-denominated mandi references converted at ≈₹90/EUR for context; all listed offers are already in EUR-equivalent terms.

Supply & Demand

National mandi data show Kabuli chickpeas trading in a wide band of roughly ₹1,000–₹12,000/qtl depending on state and quality, with a modal price near ₹6,699/qtl in late August.  Average prices have eased only 0.5% over the past 30 days, suggesting that modest demand growth is broadly balanced by tight farm inventories.

Market reports from New Delhi stress that arrivals of domestic chana remain about 40% below last year, as most farmers have already liquidated primary stocks and are reluctant to sell remaining balances.  This scarcity, combined with higher transport and freight costs, has lifted desi chana prices by roughly ₹200/qtl in the last fortnight and is indirectly supporting Kabuli values despite the absence of strong fresh export demand. 

Fundamentals & Weather

The Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board confirms continued availability of detailed bazar and commodity price series for pulses, but recent updates mainly corroborate a firm, not spiking, price structure in the capital’s wholesale markets.  National datasets on essential commodities also show chickpea and gram prices hovering at the upper end of their 12‑month range, yet without sudden late-August breakouts.

Weather in New Delhi and the broader NCR is currently in the tail of the monsoon period, characterised by warm, humid conditions and periodic showers, which have limited direct impact on stored chickpea quality but can influence logistics and mandi arrivals.  No disruptive weather alerts or flooding episodes have been reported in the last few days that would materially alter near-term supply lines into Delhi.

3–5 Day Outlook & Trading View

Given stable mandi benchmarks and firm desi chana support, New Delhi Kabuli chickpeas are likely to remain range-bound in the very short term. Minor intraday softness is possible in lower grades if arrivals tick up after recent price strength, but the underlying supply tightness should cap downside.

• For importers / European buyers: Use current stability to scale into small coverage for Q4, especially on 10–11 mm sizes where FCA New Delhi prices have paused their prior uptrend. Consider adding on any €0.02–0.03/kg dips versus today’s FCA indications.
• For Indian exporters: FOB premiums have inched higher versus FCA, supported by tight domestic chana. Maintaining offer discipline on larger calibres (12 mm) is advisable while monitoring any softening in mandi demand post-festival season.
• For domestic traders: With national Kabuli prices only 0.5% lower over 30 days and desi chana still firm, short-selling risk is elevated. Prefer selective long bias in quality Kabuli at or below the national modal level, hedged with prompt sales into deficit regions.

3-Day Price Indication (India-focused)

• New Delhi FCA Kabuli chickpeas (10–12 mm): sideways to mildly firm; expected band ≈€0.80–0.92/kg.
• New Delhi FOB Kabuli chickpeas (export grades): stable with slight upside bias; expected band ≈€0.85–0.92/kg.
• All-India mandi Kabuli (white) modal: likely to hold near ₹6,600–6,900/qtl (≈€0.73–0.77/kg) assuming no sudden surge in arrivals.