Pepper fell sharply by Rs 207 to Rs 22,100 per quintal in futures trade today, as speculators preferred to book profits at prevailing levels but squeeze in supplies in the market, capped losses.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange counter, pepper for delivery in February fell by Rs 207, or 0.89 per cent to Rs 23,046 per quintal, with an open interest of 433 lots.
Similarly, the spice for delivery in December declined by Rs 102, or 0.45 per cent to Rs 22,729 per quintal, with an open interest of 9,290 lots. It ended 0.49 per cent down at Rs 22,831 per quintal in the previous session.
Analysts said fall in pepper prices was mostly attributed to profit-booking by speculators after gains in the previous session but delay in fresh arrivals due to unseasonal rains at producing belts and squeeze in supplies, restricted losses.