Dry fruit prices rise ahead of Diwali amid West Asia conflict

Dry fruit prices in India have risen 2% ahead of Diwali 2026, exceeding the 12-year average festive-season increase of 1.6%, a Moneycontrol analysis showed. West Asia conflicts have disrupted shipping routes, raised freight costs and restricted supplies from Iran and Afghanistan. Retail inflation stood at 8% for dates, 9.1% for other nuts, 10.4% for raisins and 4% for cashews.