Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict is impacting Madhya Pradesh’s markets, with prices of dry fruits and fruits imported from Iran witnessing a sharp spike. Due to disruption in supply routes, several dry fruits have seen a price rise of up to 20% in just a week.
Dry fruits such as pistachios, raisins, apricots, figs and pine nuts—previously coming via Afghanistan—were later rerouted through Iran using the sea route. That too has now been blocked for the last 10 days because of the escalating war.
Wholesale trader Praag Maliviya told Free Press, “The shortage in supply has driven prices up by nearly 20% in just one week across the state, including Bhopal. If the war drags on, there may be a severe shortage during the Diwali season.”
Fruits get pricey as supply chain disrupts
Pomegranate, apple and pear are imported to India in large quantities from Iran and are routed to Madhya Pradesh via Mumbai port. However, due to the ongoing conflict, the supply of Iranian pomegranate, apple, and pear has come to a halt in MP markets.
According to Bhopal-based fruit trader Shyam Thakur, there is high demand for Iranian pomegranates and pears during the summer and monsoon seasons. “Iranian pomegranates are larger in size, have bright red seeds and are sweeter compared to local varieties. They are the first choice for many customers,” he said.
Thakur also said that after the winter season, apples were being imported from Turkey, but those shipments were disrupted during the Indo-Pak conflict. Subsequently, apple imports shifted to Iran, but those too have now stopped. As a result, the prices of apples and pomegranates have increased noticeably.
