Prices of pulses continued to remain high in March -- 34.45 per cent up from year-ago levels -- marking the 15th straight month of double-digit inflation in lentils, though several other essential kitchen staples have seen moderation in rates.
As per the WPI data released today, the overall wholesale price-based inflation remained in negative for 17th month in a row at (-)0.85 per cent in March.
However, the sub-index for pulses showed an inflation rate of 34.45 per cent for the same month.
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The inflation in pulses has been recording double digit increase since January 2015 when it was 12.56 per cent. Since then inflation touched a high of 58.09 per cent in November 2015.
"Pulses have shown upward price pressure continuously... and policymakers should check and address this issue through supply side responses," Assocham said.
ICRA Senior Economist Aditi Nayar said that prices of pulses have hardened in the first half of April. Besides, prices of certain vegetables have risen in the last fortnight in line with seasonal trends during the summer months.
In order to deal with the rising prices of pulses, the government had in October announced host of steps including use of price stabilisation fund and imports to cool prices and create a buffer stock. It had also launched a crack down on hoarders to deal with the price situation.
