Pepper futures fall marginally

Pepper futures prices fell by 0.22 per cent today as speculators reduced their positions, triggered by weakening export demand.   

Inadequate supplies, however, restricted the losses.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, pepper for delivery in March contract fell by Rs 52, or 0.22 per cent, to Rs 23,350 per quintal, with an open interest of 6,479 lots.  

The spice for delivery in February also shed Rs 40, or 0.17 per cent, to Rs 23,120 per quintal, with an open interest of 8,641 lots. 

Analysts said besides weakening export demand, profit booking also kept pressure on the pepper futures prices.

Speculators booked profits as the commodity rose by over four per cent this month so far.