The unprecedented price increase for Diwali firecrackers is set to burn a hole in your pocket. According to firecracker traders and wholesalers in Ahmedabad, the price of firecrackers has increased by 40% to 70% due to the rise in the price of petroleum products and chemicals, which are the main components of firecrackers.
Kartik Modi, owner of Modi Corner Fireworks shop and a wholesaler, said firecracker prices have risen by 70% which has never happened before. “The exponential hike in prices of chemical and chemical products that are used to make firecrackers has impacted the overall prices. The increase in transportation and paper costs has also aided the trend,” said Modi.
President of Ahmedabad Firework Dealers Association, Devang Chokshi said the surge in raw material prices has also affected firecracker production in Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, the hub of the firecracker industry in India. “There is a 40% shortage of firecrackers in Ahmedabad and Gujarat this year,” he said.
According to wholesalers in the city, many small firecracker traders from across Gujarat come to Ahmedabad to buy firecrackers for Diwali. This year the demand is good even from such small traders despite the price hike, they said.
Amit Patel, owner of Firework Shop in Science City said people are buying firecrackers and toy guns despite the rise in prices. He said Sparklers, Pencil crackers to multi-colour-shot firecrackers can cost anywhere from Rs 70 to Rs 22,000 per piece, depending on the type.
Another trader said last year the surge in prices was 20% but this year it is too exorbitant. “We had to invest Rs 2.25 crore for stock this year while last year the investment was around Rs 1.5 crore,” .