Dry fruit prices up by Rs 200 to Rs 600 a kg at Vashi APMC ahead of Diwali

Diwali shopping is set to weigh more heavily on household budgets this year. Dry fruit prices have risen sharply in the wholesale market of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi, Mumbai. Traders say many varieties are Rs 200 to Rs 600 per kg costlier than last year. The rise is affecting festive spending by businesses as well as households.

According to Vashi APMC traders, green pistachio, among the best-selling nuts, is selling at Rs 3,000-Rs 3,200 per kg. Salted pistachio is available between Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,100 per kg. Almonds are priced at Rs 1,100-Rs 1,500 per kg, while cashew nuts sell between Rs 950 and Rs 1,500 per kg.

Among the costlier varieties, mamra almonds are available at Rs 2,600-Rs 5,400 per kg and pine nuts at Rs 5,600-Rs 6,000 per kg. Dried figs are priced at Rs 1,000-Rs 2,400 per kg, and walnuts sell at Rs 900-Rs 2,200 per kg. Makhana is Rs 1,400-Rs 1,600 per kg, chironji is Rs 2,400-Rs 2,800 per kg, and Brazil nuts are at about Rs 3,000 per kg.

Prices of dry fruits used in premium gift hampers also remain high. Blueberries are selling at Rs 1,400-Rs 1,600 per kg, while cranberries are available at Rs 600-Rs 800 per kg. Dried oranges are Rs 1,000 per kg, cherries Rs 800 per kg and dried kiwi Rs 560 per kg.

Dried mango is available at Rs 760 per kg. Dried black plums, pomelo, pineapple, lemon and papaya cost about Rs 600 per kg. Dried ginger is Rs 700 per kg and black currants are selling at Rs 800 per kg.

On the reasons for the increase, traders say supply in the international market is low, import duty is levied and transport costs are also high. They say supplies from Iran and the United States have been disrupted, and less stock than expected has reached the port. These factors have pushed up wholesale prices, they said.