New Delhi, 09 November (NNS): In Kochi, both the supply and the arrivals reported to be remain stable at the same level because of the sluggish trading activities in the famous markets of North India. Here, the prices of black pepper markara held firm at Rs 645 per kilogram owing to the sluggish sale. Recently, the prices have softened by Rs 5 per kilogram. It is expected that the prices of black pepper may increase after Diwali. Therefore, the spot black pepper prices will likely to remain sluggish during the near future.