- West Asia tensions drive 15–35% rise in dry fruit prices in Telangana.
- Almonds, pistachios, walnuts hit hardest due to shipping delays.
- Traders warn of shortages if Red Sea crisis continues into summer.
Geopolitical tensions escalating in West Asia have resulted in the dry fruit prices in Telangana markets getting sky, high. Traders have even warned of supply disruptions over the next few weeks. Wholesale prices of imported dry fruits comprising almonds pistachios walnuts, cashews, and raisins have gone up by 15, 35% in the last month, according to traders at Hyderabad Agricultural Market and other major mandis.
This rise is mainly due to the long closure of airspace, diversion of shipping routes around the Cape of Good Hope, and increased war, risk insurance premiums as a result of destabilizing attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The majority of dry fruits consumed in India, especially almonds (primarily from the US via sea routes through the Middle East), pistachios and walnuts (Iran Afghanistan US), and cashews (Africa, Vietnam), are transported by sea freight that passes through or near conflict zones..
Dry fruit prices in Hyderabad markets have witnessed a noticeable surge across several key varieties. Almonds of California origin have increased by around 20–25 percent, now retailing between ₹850 and ₹950 per kilogram. Iranian pistachios have recorded one of the steepest rises, climbing 30–35 percent to reach ₹1,400–₹1,600 per kilogram. Walnuts sourced from Chile and the United States have gone up by 18–22 percent, with prices ranging from ₹900 to ₹1,050 per kilogram.
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Cashews of the W320 grade have also risen by about 15–20 percent to ₹750–₹850 per kilogram, while imported raisins have seen a 25 percent jump, currently priced between ₹280 and ₹350 per kilogram. These increases reflect tightening supply and higher import costs in the wholesale market.
Traders fear that if the situation persists beyond March–April 2026, stock shortages could emerge during the peak summer demand period (Ramzan, summer weddings, and festivals). Many importers have already delayed fresh orders due to uncertainty, while existing shipments face 10–20 day delays and 40–60% higher freight costs.
Local dry fruit associations have urged the government to monitor the supply chain closely and explore alternative sourcing routes or faster customs clearance to ease pressure on consumers. Retail prices in Hyderabad and other Telangana cities are expected to reflect the wholesale hikes within the next 7–10 days, adding to household inflation concerns.