Hyderabad: Sujana is a housewife. Like in virtually every home in south India, toor dal is cooked everyday in Sujana's kitchen. But she says now that the yellow dal is all set to hit a century, she has to be careful how much she uses everyday.
 
"We use it in rasam, dal and also sambar. It is an essential commodity. The children like it and it has to be made everyday but now that it is so expensive, I have to use it carefully,'' she said.
 
At a Kirana shop in Secunderabad, sale of yellow dal has dropped by at least 30 per cent. After all, its price has doubled from about 45 rupees an year ago. Traders say toor dal is expected to cross 100 rupees a kilo by this weekend.
 
"Those who would buy about five kilograms a month now buy about 2 kilograms. Those who bought 1-2 kilograms have completely given up on it. Many say non-vegetarian food works out cheaper,'' said B Madhavi, a shopkeeper.
 
Just in the last one month, prices of most dals like urad and channa have gone up by 30 to 40 per cent.
 
From an essential item, the humble dal has become a luxury item. The pulses are certainly setting the pulse racing of all those having to manage a family budget.