Currently, as the fear of war and closure of airspace has spread to many countries in West Asia, imports from other countries have also been suspended. | Photo credit: THE HINDU
The ongoing war between Iran, the United States of America (US) and Israel in West Asia is expected to adversely affect the country’s trade in dates and other dry fruits, especially as demand is high during the month of Ramzan.
Traders in Bengaluru said that while they have already imported huge stocks for the Ramzan season, they could be held for next month and if the crisis continues, it would lead to shortages and rise in prices due to airspace closure and import issues.
“We currently have enough stock of dates and other dry fruits for about a month. If the war situation in West Asia continues, business will become difficult,” said Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, a dry fruit trader at Russell Market in Bengaluru.
“We trade around 10 to 12 tonnes of dates and dry fruits every month. Since it is the month of Ramzan, we have brought forward about 60 tonnes of goods. So there is no shortage now. The current stock is enough for 20 to 25 days. But if the war situation continues, there will be a big shortage of dry fruits,” he said.
Various kinds of dates, anjeer (figs), saffron and other large dried fruits are imported from Iran. Compared to other countries, the price of dry fruits imported from Iran is low, traders said.
Currently, as the fear of war and closure of airspace has spread to many countries in West Asia, imports from other countries have also been suspended. If the crisis persists, the prices of dried fruits will go up, traders fear. “The price of saffron has already crossed ₹2.5,000 per kg and will continue to rise. The price of figs is expected to increase from ₹300 to ₹400 per kg,” Mr Choudhury said.
Published – 02 March 2026 20:49 IST
