Prayagraj, 28 June (IANS). The impact of Iran-Israel War in West Asia is now visible on Bharti’s wholesale markets. Prior to the start of Sawan month, there is a tremendous jump in the prices of rock salt and dry fruits used during the fast in Prayagraj markets. In the last 15 days, the prices of these products have increased by 20 to 25 percent.
The month of Sawan holds special significance for fasting and worship in Hinduism. During this time, devotees consume rock salt and dry fruits specially, but now their skyrocketing prices have increased the concern of common people.
According to Prayagraj wholesale traders, rock salt and dry fruits are mainly imported into India from Iran, Iraq and Gulf countries. Iran-Israel War and regional instability have disrupted goods supply from these countries, which reduced the market availability and increased prices.
According to the traders, the prices of products like cashew, almond, pistachios, dates, saffron have increased significantly. At the same time, rock salt, which is the main option of salt during the fast, has also become expensive.
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, the opposition to the products coming from Pakistan has also worsened the situation. Prayagraj traders said that after stopping taking goods from Pakistan, most of the goods are sourced from Iran and Gulf countries, but the supply has also been affected from there.
A wholesaler from Prayagraj says, “Dry fruits and rock salt prices are changing daily. The supply is low, but the demand in the spring increases manifold. In such a situation, prices are bound to increase.”
At the same time, a customer complained, “Every year, he used to take rock salt and almonds etc. in the spring, but this time he has to pull his hands back.
Some traders have expected intervention from the central government. A businessman said, “We are confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will overcome the situation. His leadership is strong, and they can stabilize the market.”
-IANS
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