Enough stocks of dates and dry fruits for Ramzan month, if crisis persists beyond that supply to be hit

The ongoing war between Iran, the United States of America (USA), and Israel in West Asia is expected to have an adverse impact on the trade of dates and other dry fruits in the country, especially given the demand is high during the Ramzan month.

Traders in Bengaluru said while they have already imported huge stocks for the Ramzan season, they could hold for the next month and if the crisis persisted further, it would lead to shortages and price rise, owing to issues with airspace closures and imports.

“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 tougher,” said Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, a dry fruits merchant from Russell Market in Bengaluru.

“We trade around 10 to 12 tonne of dates and dried fruits every month. Since it is the month of Ramzan, we have brought in about 60 tonne of goods in advance. So there is no shortage right now. The current stock will be enough for 20 to 25 days. However, if the war situation continues, there will be a severe shortage of dried fruits,” he said.

Varieties of dates, anjeer (figs), saffron, and other major dry fruits are imported from Iran. Compared to other countries, the price of dry fruits imported from Iran is low, said the traders.

Currently, since the fear of war and airspace closures have spread to many countries in West Asia, imports from other countries have also been disrupted. If the crisis persists, the prices of dry fruits will go up, traders fear. “The price of saffron has already crossed ₹2.5 lakh per kg and will go up further. The price of figs is expected to rise from ₹300 to ₹400 per kg,” Mr. Choudhury said.