Dry fruit prices in Hyderabad have increased by 30 to 40 per cent due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted supply chains from key producing regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and parts of the Middle East.

Traders in Hyderabad report that ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, together with border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, have significantly slowed the movement of goods, causing delays and higher transportation costs. This disruption has particularly affected businesses reliant on imports from these regions, with several consignments delayed or stranded during transit.

Suppliers have been forced to use more expensive logistics methods, such as air cargo, further driving up dry fruit prices in local markets. The sharp rise in prices is impacting consumer demand, as retailers struggle to maintain a steady supply and reassure customers amidst the substantial price increases.

Aman Khan, owner of Afghan Baghban in Hyderabad, told ANI that the ongoing conflict has gravely affected the dry fruit trade. “I have kept many varieties in this store. There are some products from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt, and I will try to add more to them. Unfortunately, war has been going on for 15-20 days, due to which some of my products are stuck and have not reached yet. Our Turkish products are stuck, but we still have some stock,” he said.

Khan explained that Afghanistan remains the major supplier for his store, but tensions have disrupted trade routes. “Most of our exports are from Afghanistan. There has been a war going on in Iran and between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the last 8-10 days. So our work has been disturbed a lot because of this,” he added.