Indian pulse prices doubles up in UAE

Dubai, Aug 27 (UNI) The price of Indian pulses have doubled in the UAE amid reports that the Indian government has imposed a ban on their exports.

According to market sources, import of Indian pulses has stopped since last month after the heavy rains hit pulse production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.

It is believed the crisis may continue till March next year, and Dubai traders are looking for alternative sources for imports, media reports said.

Although lentils from Turkey, Australia and Pakistan are available in the market, they cannot compete with Indian pulses in quality, a leading supermarket chain said.

''One kg of Indian pulses was previously priced at Dh2 (0.5 US dollars) in the local market. But now it has shot up to Dh5 (1.35 US dollars) per kg and if the export ban continues for a longer period, the price will be hiked further,'' they said.

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