Dry fruit prices climb ahead of Diwali, pistachios up 60-70% on last year
Nuts and dry fruits are at record prices this Diwali despite the GST cut in September 2025, making gift packs costlier.
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Gifting dry fruits this Diwali could prove expensive. Prices of nuts and dry fruits are reported to be at record highs. GST was cut from September 2025, yet prices are still up to 70% higher than last year.
In September 2025, GST on nuts was reduced from 12% to 5%. Traders and importers say prices could rise further because demand remains high during the festival season. Compared with last Diwali, pistachio prices are up 60-70% and almond prices are up 25%.
On supply, arrivals from countries such as Iran and Afghanistan have fallen. Almond production has also dropped across the world. Transport costs have risen, and a weaker rupee has pushed up import charges. The US-Iran war is making it difficult to bring nuts and dry fruits from Iran and Afghanistan.
American almonds were selling at Rs 800 to 900 last year. This time they have overtaken cashew nuts and reached Rs 1,150 to 1,200. American green pistachio was Rs 1,700 a kg last year and is now Rs 2,700 a kg.
Grocery trader Pawan Wadhwani said prices of almost all nuts and dry fruits, including almonds, pistachios, raisins and walnuts, are at their highest ever. According to him, since last Diwali cashew nuts have become 5-8% costlier, dates 5-10% and almonds more than 25%.
Peshawari pistachio, used in sweets, has reached a record Rs 4,000 a kg, a rise of about 40%. Last year it cost Rs 2,700 a kg.
The Middle East is the main source of dates, and higher freight costs from there have pushed up prices. Last year dry dates sold at Rs 350 to 400; they are now Rs 500 to 550 a kg.
Prices have risen sharply over the past two months and the supply chain has been badly disrupted. Diwali is near and the practice of giving dry fruit gift packs has grown considerably, but this time inflation will make such gifts a burden for people.
