Groundnut oil rose by Rs 5 to Rs 385 per 10 kg. owing to tight supplies. But demand was dull at higher level, dealers said. In Rajkot prices moved up by Rs 5 to Rs 630/635 per 15 kg.

Imported palm oil placed higher at Rs 235 (Rs 228) per 10 kg as tight overseas supplies coupled with news of bullish global market influenced the sentiment. In the kerb deals, prices climbed up further to Rs 247/248 per 10 kg. In the global market palm oil hardened to $385 per tonne for nearby delivery and to $390 for long delivery, it was learnt.

Castor oil spurted as prices crossed Rs 400-mark at Rs 402/414 per 10 kg on brisk covering by shippers. Castorseed ready gained Rs 20 at Rs 1854/1860 per quintal.

In the future section castorseed September delivery moved upby Rs 30 at Rs 1,872 per quintal on steady bull buying. In Ahmedabad prices quoted higher at Rs 1,842 but in kerb trading it finished higher at Rs 1,875/1,880 per quintal.

In the international castor oil future market, October delivery rose from Rs 406 to Rs 413 and December delivery from Rs 360 to Rs 362 per 10 kg.

Sugar looks up

A better trend was noticed on the sugar market following increased buying inquiries.

The price looked up by Rs 5 to 7 a quintal as demand was somewhat active on the local market. Besides, Gujarat offtake also turned better with the mills. M-30 were up at Rs 1440-1505 and S-30 at Rs 1420-1450 ex-godown. Ex-octroi checkpost, the price rose to Rs 1425-1435 and to Rs 1412-1420 respectively.

In tenders, M-30 were indicated at Rs 1370-1380 and S-30 at Rs 1360-1370 in Kolhapur line.

Bullion suffers

Both the precious metals suffered modest losses on the bullion market here today.

Standard gold fell by Rs 15 at Rs 4,125 per 10 gm. Gold .22 carat was down by samemargin at Rs 3,815 per 10 gm. Prices of gold biscuit (116.50 gm.) closed Rs 200 lower at Rs 48,200 per piece. Physical demand for gold was at a low ebb as fresh overseas supplies in the weak prevailing easy trend prompted light profit-taking. In the global market gold slid from $260.55 to $259.45 per ounce.

Meanwhile silver .999 declined by Rs 40 at Rs 8,140 per kg. Silver .916 was down by same margin at Rs 8,010 per kg in sympathy. Industrial demand for silver was thin while steady supplies of raw silver from local sources coupled with weak Delhi and overseas advices put pressure on the local market, dealers said. Today's volume of trading is around 340/350 kg according to market sources. In the overseas market the white metal eased by 5 cents to $5.25 per ounce.

Cotton remains firm

A firm trend continued on the cotton market following lack of rains in Gujarat.

The offerings shrunk further while buying support was better in the wake of prolonged dry spell adding to the concern about the cropin Gujarat. Gaining Rs 100 a candy V-797 ruled at Rs 12,900-13,200, Wagad at Rs 12,400 and Kalan-ginned at Rs 11,900 spot.

Kabuli gram gains

A steady-to-better trend continued on the grains market.

Wheat and rice were well-held at the earlier levels. Wheat milling deshi were quoted at Rs 755-760 and imported at Rs 711 a quintal. North Gujarat Sonaklyan were on offer at Rs 815-825, Tukadi at Rs 800-811 and 496 at Rs 835-850.

Rice SLO were traded at Rs 1050-1200, Perimal average at Rs 950-1200 and superior at Rs 1400-1500. FCI cleaned rice were transacted in the range of Rs 900-1300.

Among pulses, kabuli gram netted fresh gains of Rs 100 on reserved selling in view of limited supply. A-2 were in demand at Rs 3200, B-2 at Rs 2900-3000, C-2 in the range of Rs 1800-2200 and natural at Rs 2500-2700.

Green peas firmed up by Rs 25 afresh. Rumba/Heart rose to Rs 1250-1275 and Canadian to Rs 800-925. White peas Canadian were placed at Rs 921-925 and urad Myanmar at Rs 1651-1661, up by Rs10.

Yarn quiet

A quietly steady trend prevailed on the yarn market.

Viscose filament yarn bright cones first quality Century Rayon 150dn ruled at Rs 196, 120dn at Rs 206, 100dn at Rs 215 and 75dn at Rs 245 a kg. Bulk deals for 100dn is understood to have taken place at Rs 208. 120dn dull cones were on offer at Rs 212.

Nylon yarn 15/1/0dn Shreelon and 20/1/0dn Gujnil remained on offer at Rs 230 and at Rs 202 respectively.