Barley up on short-covering, spot demand

Demand from consuming industries influenced prices

Barley prices firmed up by Rs 18.50 to Rs 1,365 per quintal in futures trading today on firm trend in the spot markets after speculators covered-up their short positions.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley for delivery in June rose by Rs 18.50, or 1.37%, to Rs 1,365 per quintal, with an open interest of 29,130 lots.

The July contract was up 1.27% and traded Rs 17.50 at Rs 1,396 per quintal, with an open interest of 6,790 lots.

Marketmen said apart from short-covering by speculators, rising demand from consuming industries also influenced barley futures prices here today.