CHENNAI: As the ongoing Israel-US-Iran conflict has severely disrupted dry fruit imports to India, the prices have increased significantly in recent weeks at Audiappa Naicken Street in Sowcarpet, the hub of dry fruits, largely affecting both consumers and small traders.
He further explained that the ongoing United States-Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted the operations on shipping routes via Iran, affecting the transportation of nuts and dry fruits by sea. “In addition, air cargo containers are also getting delayed. Moreover, the rise in the exchange rate for the US Dollar has further contributed to the increase in prices. As a result, the prices of dry fruits have been directly impacted,” he said.
A local shopkeeper from the area said that the price increase has significantly impacted the consumers’ purchasing power. “Earlier, customers used to purchase nuts and dry fruits in larger quantities. Now, due to high prices, they are buying less or only what is necessary. This has reduced our sales, affecting our daily income,” he said, adding that small traders are struggling to sustain their businesses.
Saran, a consumer, said that his family buys dry fruits only once a month. “Due to the recent price increase, we have reduced the quantity we purchase. While our income remains the same, our expenses are increasing. Items like almonds and cashews are becoming unaffordable, especially for middle-class families,” he said.