India is considering cutting import tariffs on lentils and yellow peas to cool domestic prices after a weak monsoon hit the pulses crop, according to reports.

The government may lower duties on red lentils and chickpeas, which currently attract 10 per cent, and on yellow peas, which face 30 per cent. Chickpeas are expected to be kept out of the duty relief, sources said.

India imported 23 per cent of the pulses it consumed in 2024-25. The country produced 25.7 million tonnes and imported 7.3 million tonnes to meet demand. Any cut in duties would make imported pulses cheaper and help contain retail inflation in a politically sensitive food category.

Pulses are a staple protein for crores of households, and prices of tur, urad and chana have a direct bearing on food inflation. The move would mirror past interventions where the government used trade policy to stabilise dal prices ahead of festival demand.