Diwali Grocery Prices Surge in Maharashtra Amid Drought and High Demand
Maharashtra is experiencing a surge in grocery prices just before Diwali, with essential items like pulses, rice, jowar, and wheat becoming significantly more expensive. Traders cite poor rainfall, reduced production, and heightened festive demand as the primary reasons for the price hikes. The situation is putting considerable strain on household budgets, and traders warn that prices may climb even higher if the current conditions persist.
Tur dal prices have reached around ₹132 per kg, marking an increase of ₹14 to ₹16 per kg in just two weeks. This rise is attributed to a drop in Kharif pulse production due to drought conditions, with imports from Myanmar and African countries helping to bridge the domestic shortfall. Chana dal prices have also risen by ₹10 to ₹90 to ₹94 per kg, driven by increased demand for ingredients used in festive sweets and snacks.
Rice prices have seen a broad-based increase across various varieties. Premium varieties like Kali Muchh and Mother India now cost between ₹55 to ₹70 per kg, while general varieties have risen by ₹15 to ₹80 to ₹85 per kg. Kolam rice is selling at ₹75 to ₹80 per kg, and Indrayani rice costs ₹62 to ₹70 per kg. Ambemohar rice has seen a ₹20 increase, reaching ₹170 per kg.
Jowar has been particularly affected by scanty rainfall, with Barshi Jowar now costing ₹67 to ₹70 per kg and wholesale prices ranging from ₹50 to ₹75 per kg. Wheat prices have increased by ₹2 to ₹3 per kg, now ranging between ₹32 and ₹40 per kg. Green gram prices have risen by ₹8 to ₹110 to ₹112 per kg, linked to lower sowing after an early monsoon lull.
Traders are cautioning that prices could rise further before Diwali if the drought-like conditions continue to impact supplies. Grocery merchant Sunil Kankaria attributed the price increases solely to the drought situation and warned of potential further hikes if these conditions persist.