West Asia crisis drives up dry fruit prices ahead of Id feasting

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.