Diwali, the festival of lights bring all kinds of happiness and hope. There are decorations, flowers, lights, rangoli colours, different lamps, yummy dishes, sweets, dry fruits and many more.
During the preparations, huge mobs are found in the markets to buy things for this festival. But it is disheartening when one of the key ingredients goes out of our pocket’s reach. But, now there is more of a reason to celebrate as the dry fruit prices fell down to normal before Diwali.
Afghanistan crisis and low production of dry fruits in California had led to this price rise in August. Especially, the supply of dry fruits like – black raisins, figs, almonds, cashews and pistachios. However, with their resuming supply, the increased prices have returned back to normal. There was worldwide shortage of dry fruits. In California, the prices of the items became record breaking as the wildfires burnt, among others, the almond trees and reduced crop yields that severely affected almond supply.
Increased prices of dry fruits:
• Black Raisins: Rs 450/- – Rs 500/-
• Figs: Rs 900/- – Rs 1100/-
• Almonds: Rs 700/- – Rs 1000/-
• Cashews : Rs 750/- - Rs 1200/-
• Pistachios : Rs 1100/- Rs 1500/-
During Ganeshotsav and Navratri, the prices of sweets had also become dear. The traders were speculating that people might avert from buying sweets and dry fruits in the festive purchase this season because of the high prices. However, with the improvement in supply, the prices came down and the situation has been normalized. Now, the sweet shop owners and confectioners are relieved that they will be able to reduce their prices.
Nilesh Patel, a trader said, “The turmoil in Afghanistan has subsided and supplies have become regular, while new pre-Diwali almonds have arrived in abundance from California. Dry Fruits have become affordable during the festive season”.
