With winter fast approaching, Karachi has seen an all-time high in the rates of dried fruit, one of the main attractions of the season. Peanuts, a winter treat that the common man used to enjoy last year for Rs120 per 250gms last year is now being sold at Rs 170.
The prices of other dried fruits have also increased as compared to the last year. However, only pine nut prices have come down a bit which cost between Rs5,800-Rs6,500 from the Rs7,000-8,000 per kilo rate of last year.
However, even with the substantial increase in prices, the import of dried fruit has increased from last year. During July-October 2021, imports reached 26,340 tonnes ($18 million) ahead of the peak winter season from 20,284 tonnes ($25m) in the same period last fiscal, depicting a drop of average per tonne price to $689 from $1,228 while the rupee lost its value by 7.6 per cent against the dollar in the same period.
The drop in dried fruit prices in the world market has also diluted the negative impact of the falling rupee against the dollar from Rs152-153 in May 2021 to the current rate of Rs175 in the interbank market.
Despite the massive decline in world market rates and thriving legal imports, consumers are still finding it difficult to purchase dried fruit.
The price of almonds has shot up to Rs2,000 per kg from Rs1,600 last year, pistachios are grossing at Rs2,400 for pistachio (salted) as compared to Rs1,800 per kg last year.
Indian cashew nut costs Rs2,200 per kg as compared to Rs1,600 in 2020, while raisin (kishmish) prices have surged to Rs1,000 per kg from Rs600 per kg.
The price of walnut kernels (without shell) has risen by Rs300 and reached Rs1,400-1,600 per kg.
