By Maulikk Buch, Special Correspondent
March 5, 2026
India’s dry fruit markets are reeling from a geopolitical storm, with prices of premium imports like pistachios, saffron, almonds, and dates surging sharply amid the escalating Iran-Israel war and widespread Gulf tensions.
In the past week alone, staples have seen hikes of 15-30% or more, driven by disrupted supplies from Iran—the world’s leading exporter of pistachios and a major source of saffron, figs, apricots, and raisins. The conflict, which intensified following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets starting in June 2025 and erupted into full-scale war in late February 2026, has led to port closures, airspace restrictions, and retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks across Gulf nations including the UAE.
Traders report Iranian shipments have virtually halted, with containers stranded and key trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz under severe threat. “Supplies from Iran are completely cut off due to the war, port disruptions, and security alerts,” said a senior official from the Nuts and Dried Fruits Council of India (NDFC-I). “Pistachio prices have jumped dramatically—some varieties from ₹840/kg to over ₹1,300/kg—while saffron in Bengaluru markets has climbed to ₹2.5-3 lakh per kg and could hit ₹4 lakh if shortages persist.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for consumers. With Ramzan underway and Holi approaching, festive demand for dates, nuts, and saffron is at its peak. In Mumbai’s Crawford Market, Iranian mamra almonds have risen from around ₹1,800/kg in October 2025 to ₹2,800/kg, and apricots have nearly doubled to ₹1,400/kg. Bengaluru vendors echo the pain: “Customers are shocked—a small pack now costs what a larger one did last month,” said one trader at KR Market. Sales have reportedly dropped by up to 50% in some areas as buyers cut back or switch to pricier alternatives from Turkey or the U.S.
The UAE’s role as a re-export hub for Iranian goods has amplified the crisis, with Houthi-linked attacks and Iranian retaliatory strikes on Emirati infrastructure causing delays and security halts at ports like Dubai. Overland routes from Afghanistan for raisins and other nuts have also faced disruptions from regional instability, including Pakistani border issues.
Industry experts warn that current stockpiles may suffice through Ramzan, but prolonged conflict could trigger steeper increases and outright shortages by summer. “If the Gulf crisis drags on, we’ll see raisins, dates, and more follow the same path,” noted a Karnataka wholesaler. Economists estimate the turmoil could inflate India’s annual dry fruit import bill by thousands of crores, adding pressure to household budgets already strained by broader food inflation.
Consumer groups are calling for urgent government intervention, including faster alternative sourcing agreements and potential subsidies for essentials. As distant battles rage on, the war’s true cost is landing squarely on Indian dinner tables—turning festive treats into luxury items few can afford without pause. With no quick resolution in sight, shoppers face a stark choice: ration their indulgences or pay the rising price of peace’s absence.