Sun May 25 14:39:59 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Bengaluru Dry Fruit and Saffron Prices Soar Following Pahalgam Terror Attack**
**Bengaluru, May 25, 2025** – Consumers in Bengaluru are facing significantly higher prices for dry fruits and saffron after a recent terror attack in Pahalgam disrupted trade from Kashmir. The attack has reportedly halted the supply of these goods, leading to rapid depletion of existing stocks and subsequent price hikes.
Traders report that walnut prices have jumped from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per kg, while almonds have increased from ₹700 to ₹900 per kg. The most dramatic increase is in saffron, which has nearly doubled in price from ₹250 to ₹450 per gram.
“The dry fruits stopped coming from Kashmir a month ago, and the suppliers from Kashmir are not answering calls,” said Vinayaka of S. Kumar and Sons in Shivajinagar.
The disruption has occurred during Mousam-E-Khazan, the peak production season, exacerbating the impact on traders. Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, President of the Cantonment Fruits and Dry Fruits Merchants Association, explained that he is struggling to fulfill orders, including those from 5-star hotels, and is forced to ration pre-attack stock.
The price increases are already impacting consumers. Ramesh, a Vijayanagar resident, expressed concerns about the affordability of saffron for his elderly mother, who relies on it daily.
Kursheed Ahmed Dar, a Kashmiri dry fruit trader based in Srinagar, stated that large quantities of produce are stuck in Kashmir, unable to reach Delhi for distribution. He appealed to the government to intervene and resolve the situation, emphasizing the livelihood of Kashmiri farmers and traders is at stake and many may not recover this year.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of trade routes and the far-reaching economic consequences of security incidents. As demand remains high across India, the inability to access Kashmiri produce is causing significant challenges for both consumers and producers.
First Piper 