New Delhi, 26 October (NNS): Daily arrivals of black pepper in major producing regions and markets have fallen by nearly half. In major markets such as Kochi, daily supplies are limited to around 15 tonnes. Due to the current shortage of supplies, farmers and large stockists are reluctant to sell at lower prices and are holding back their stocks. Following a rise of Rs 35/40 per kg within a week, Malabar black pepper prices surged to a high of Rs 820/830 per kg. Despite the current high prices, farmers and large stockists are in no hurry to sell their remaining produce, providing strong support to the domestic market. Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming crop in major producing countries such as Vietnam has also unsettled the international market.