Supply chain disrupted, dry fruit prices spike in Telangana

Hyderabad’s dry fruit supply chain is facing a significant disruption as prices of key imported commodities surge sharply due to geopolitical instability and logistics constraints. This sharp increase is being felt across the board, impacting both wholesale traders and end consumers, especially ahead of India’s crucial festive season supply demand.

According to Vijay Grover of Shivram Peshawari and Brothers, the price of premium Mamra almonds has skyrocketed from ₹2,600 to ₹3,600 per kg, while pistachio prices have surged from ₹900 to ₹1,200 per kg. The steep rise is attributed to supply chain disruptions caused by regional conflicts and import bottlenecks.

A recent explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port, a critical node in the country’s maritime trade infrastructure, has severely impacted cargo movements. The port, being Iran's largest and a major gateway for goods entering India, is vital for the import logistics of dry fruits and spices that flow into Hyderabad's bulk markets.

“Hyderabad’s dry fruit and spice trade relies heavily on imports from Iran,” said Aman Khan of Afghan Baghban Dry Fruits Hub. “We source pistachios, saffron, Mamra almonds, and seasonal fruits like apples and kiwis from Iran. But the ongoing West Asia tensions are a major concern for the entire import-export logistics ecosystem.”

Compounding the issue is the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, a key land logistics route for trade with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Importers are now being forced to shift to air cargo logistics, which is significantly more expensive and less scalable. Khan added, “Earlier, we handled 15 to 20 containers daily through Mumbai ports. That number has dropped to 6–10 containers, drastically affecting availability.”

The supply chain constraints, combined with higher transportation costs, are leading to price inflation that is being passed directly on to consumers. These developments are particularly alarming for dry fruit traders as India approaches its peak festive sales period, when demand typically surges.

Experts warn that if the Israel-Iran conflict escalates further or if access to Iran’s key ports remains compromised, logistics networks could face longer-term instability, leading to supply shortages, inventory delays, and sustained high pricing.