Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Mar 14: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has begun to impact the dry fruit market in India, resulting in a noticeable rise in the prices of dates and other dry fruits. Traders say the situation has become particularly concerning during the Ramadan season, when the demand for dates and dry fruits traditionally increases across the country.
Dates hold special importance during Ramadan as they are commonly used by Muslims to break their fast during Iftar. As a result, the demand for dates, almonds, pistachios, and other dry fruits usually rises significantly during this period. However, the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted the supply chain, creating uncertainty in the market.
According to traders, India largely depends on imports from Middle Eastern countries for its dry fruit supply. In particular, nearly 60% of the dates available in the Indian market are imported from Iran. Although some consignments had already arrived in India before the conflict escalated, the current situation has affected fresh shipments from Iran and other countries in the region.
Due to the war-like situation, transportation and export activities in several Middle Eastern countries have slowed down, leading to delays and interruptions in supply. Traders say that the uncertainty in logistics and international trade routes has made it difficult for importers to bring in new stock.
Adding to the problem, the supply of goods from Afghanistan to India through the Wagah border has been suspended for nearly a year. A significant portion of dry fruits from Afghanistan earlier reached India through this route. Many of these goods were also transported via Iran before entering the Indian market. However, with the Iran route now disrupted because of the ongoing conflict, the supply chain has been severely affected.
As a result, dry fruit prices in the domestic market have already started to rise gradually. Traders believe that if the disruption in supply continues for a longer period, prices could increase sharply in the coming days.
M Mukthar, managing partner of Reem Traders, a dry fruit trading firm in Mangaluru, said that traders are closely monitoring the situation. “Although some stock had reached India before the conflict began, the current disruption in imports from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries is beginning to impact the market. If the situation continues, the prices of dates and other dry fruits are likely to rise further,” he said.
He also noted that the Ramadan season usually witnesses a surge in demand, which could put additional pressure on the already limited supply. Traders fear that if new consignments do not arrive soon, the shortage may become more visible in the market.
Market experts say that the dry fruit trade in India is closely linked to international supply routes, especially those passing through the Middle East. Any geopolitical instability in the region tends to have a direct impact on availability and prices in Indian markets.
For now, traders remain hopeful that the situation will stabilize soon and that supply routes will reopen, helping the market return to normal. However, until that happens, consumers may have to bear higher prices for dates and other dry fruits during the festive season.