Rising tensions in West Asia have pushed up dry fruit prices in Delhi’s popular Khari Baoli market by up to 30%, leaving traders worried as customers are buying less during an otherwise busy festive season of Id and Navratri.
Sellers in the Capital’s largest wholesale market for dry fruits said prices of items imported from Iran and some from Afghanistan have seen a significant increase over the past fortnight. “Earlier, Mamra almonds from Iran were sold at ₹2,000 per kg, and now we are selling them at ₹2,800,” said Adir, who has been in the dry fruit business for 10 years.
Pawan Deep Singh, another wholesale shopkeeper, said prices of dry fruits from Iran have increased by 20-30%. “Because of the increase in prices, our sales have also been affected as people are buying less. Even if the war ends now, our business will not pick up as Id will be over and summer will also begin,” Mr. Singh said.
This is typically the peak season for dry fruit sellers in Khari Baoli, when demand and profits are at their highest. However, traders say this year has been different. Nisar Ahmed, 37, who has been selling in Khari Baoli for nearly a decade, said, “We used to have sales of about ₹50,000 a day before the price rise. Now, we are able to sell around ₹20,000. The business has more than halved.”
