The ongoing conflict in West Asia has begun affecting Nagpur’s dry fruit trade, with retailers and wholesalers reporting increase in the prices of imported pistachios, almonds, walnuts and figs amid supply disruptions and rising procurement costs. India imports substantial quantities of premium dry fruits from countries including Iran, Afghanistan and the United States. Traders say disruptions in supply chains and currency fluctuations are now being felt in local markets. Bharat Lakhwani, a dry fruit trader in the city, said Iranian pistachios have witnessed a noticeable increase in prices. “Pistachio imports from Iran have seen around a 15 per cent increase in rates due to supply shortages from the war. What we sold at Rs 1,100 is now Rs 1,250,” he shared. Lakhwani added that almonds have also become costlier due to a combination of supply shortages and a stronger dollar.

 

“Lower-range almonds have moved from Rs 800 to Rs 880, and higher-range ones from Rs 920 to Rs 1,000,” he explained. According to traders, sourcing has become difficult as traditional suppliers struggle to maintain stocks. “We are scouting for new vendors every day because regular suppliers are not able to fulfil demand smoothly,” Lakhwani said. Neha Jain, a dry fruits seller in the city, said premium Iranian varieties have been among the hardest hit. “Mamra almonds and Iranian pistachios have gone up to Rs 1,600 per kg. Pistachio kernels that were selling in the Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 range are now priced between Rs 2,800 and Rs 3,000,” she lamented. Even walnuts have seen steep increases. “High-quality akhrot has reached Rs 1,600 per kg.

 

Earlier, the maximum price was around Rs 1,400,” Jain said. Another dry fruits retail seller, who did not want to be named, shared that the impact extends beyond nuts. Iranian Mamra almonds have increased from Rs 3,800 to Rs 4,700 per kg, while Afghan figs have risen from Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,500 per kg. “Raisins from Afghanistan are also affected. We are currently stocking up to counter the fluctuating situation,” the seller shared. Traders maintained that the higher retail prices reflect increased procurement costs rather than higher margins. While some businesses have managed the disruption through advance stocking, most market participants expect prices to remain elevated as long as global supply chains continue to face uncertainty.