Traders blame rains, supply shortage, and lack of GST relief; unorganised industry keeps rates unstable
Firecracker prices have skyrocketed by 40–50% across Ahmedabad and Gujarat this Diwali, with traders citing excessive rains, reduced supply, and the unchanged 18% GST slab as key reasons behind the hike.
Despite the latest GST reforms moving several goods from the 28% to 18% slab, the fireworks industry had hoped for a further cut to 5%. “Due to heavy rain and short supply, firecrackers have become up to 50% costlier than last year,” said Nihal Patni, a firecracker trader from Chandlodiya. “With barely 10 days to Diwali, we’re unsure if business will pick up.”
Patni noted that average family spending now ranges between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000, with sparklers, pencils, fountains, and chakkaris being popular among children, while youngsters prefer multi-colour skyshots.
Harish Brahmbhatt, another trader from the Ankur area, said sales remain sluggish but hopes are pinned on a last-minute rush. “Supply is low, and prices have increased by around 30% this year,” he added.
Industry leaders say the largely unorganised nature of the trade makes pricing unpredictable. “There’s no fixed MRP — most products are sold at discounted rates,” said Jayendra Tanna, president of the Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal (FAIVM). “Families still buy crackers, though many cut down on quantity.”
According to traders, most families budget between 1,000 and 3,000 for fireworks, though skyshot enthusiasts spend far more. Multi-colour skyshots — ranging from 60 to 1,000 shots — are priced between 1,150 and 18,000, while other crackers cost from 50 to 22,000, depending on the brand and type.