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 counter, pepper for delivery in March fell by Rs 52 or 0.22 per cent to Rs 23,350 per quintal with an open interest of 6,479 lots. February contract 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 over four per cent this month so far.