India considers cutting import duties on pulses to cool prices, sources say
INDA•India is considering lowering import duties on some pulses to boost supplies and curb food inflation, sources said. The possible cuts could cover lentils and yellow peas, but exclude chickpeas; current duties are 10% on red lentils and chickpeas and 30% on yellow peas.
1. Possible duty changes
India is considering lowering import tariffs on a range of pulses after a patchy monsoon raised concerns about domestic output, two government sources and an industry source said. Any reduction could be limited to lentils and yellow peas, with chickpeas excluded, the industry source said.
2. Supply and prices
India currently imposes a 10% import tax on red lentils and chickpeas and 30% on yellow peas. Imports accounted for about 23% of consumption in 2024-25, when India produced 25.7 million tons and imported 7.3 million tons. Output is expected to drop sharply this year after top-producing states received up to 30% less rain than average during the June-September monsoon season.
3. Inflation context
Food inflation stood at 5.95% in August. Prices of pulses remained elevated, with pigeon pea inflation at 5.6% and black gram inflation at 7.4% year-on-year. The government has already allowed duty-free imports of pigeon peas and black gram through March 2027.
