Direct buying from growers in Idukki and Wayanad has squeezed arrivals at the terminal market on Monday. Trade sources said that Tamil Nadu based dealers were buying directly from the farmers at ₹385 a kg on credit from Idukki and Pulpally and Bathery in Wayanad. Consequently, the arrivals at the terminal market today stood at eight tonnes only.

Besides, 10 containers cleared from Tuticorin port imported from Sri Lanka by Kottayam district and Nagerkoil based importers is being offered at ₹375 delivered anywhere in India. This phenomenon has also aided the price decline further, Market sources told Business Line .

On the terminal market of the eight tonnes traded today four tonnes of high range material went for ₹380 a kg while four tonnes of Sri Lankan mixed pepper from the plains were sold at ₹475 a kg.

Spot prices declined further by ₹100 a quintal to close at ₹37,300 (ungarbled) and ₹39,300 (garbled) a quintal.

Indian export prices were at $6,275 a tonne c&f for Europe and $6,525 a tonne c&f for the US.