Ban on pulses export worries Indian-Americans

Indian government's ban on export of pulses has not only shot up the prices here to a new high but also caused panic among distributors and consumers due to high demand and dwindling stocks in American markets.

Pulses, a mainstay of Indian cuisine because of high protein content, are fast becoming a vanishing commodity and whatever left on the shelves are available at exorbitant prices.

Going by the demand and looking at the supply, soon the shelves at the Indian-American grocers, displaying wide variety of lentils, will be empty and replaced by other commodities like 'ready to eat Dal packets'.

Prices have already almost doubled. Toor and Urad, the two very popular lentils, which retailed for $3.99 for four pounds till recently, has shot up to almost $6.99 to $8.99, depending on the area. The 10-pound bags of lentils, which used to be sold for around $5.99, have completely disappeared from the shelves.

Anitha Jain, a Sugarland resident, a suburb near Houston dominated by Indian Americans, said she went around Houston to check better prices and bigger bags but was surprised and shocked to find smaller bags with higher price tag.

"Being a vegetarian, it is the only source of protein for me and I had to buy it as there is no other option," she said.

"Owing to the high demand and short supply, prices have soared and it will stay this way till India lifts the ban," said of Keemat Grocers in Sugarland.