Crackers may burn a hole in your pockets this Diwali; prices up by 20%

The prices are rising because of manufacturers putting efforts into moving from manufacturing traditional crackers to green crackers.

Hyderabad: With Diwali around the corner, buying crackers could burn a hole in your pocket as the prices have gone up by over 20 per cent this year in Hyderabad.

The prices are rising because of manufacturers putting efforts into moving from manufacturing traditional crackers to green crackers. The majority of manufacturers in Sivakasi are producing only crackers that are free from barium nitrate and other harmful chemicals after the Supreme Court banned the usage of inorganic compounds.

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According to Sanjay Kumar Bhope, the owner of Shanti Fire Works, the hike is due to an increase in the prices of raw materials needed for manufacturing fireworks, including green crackers, and also due to the shortage of crackers in the market.

“We used to have a business for a month before the pandemic struck but now, we are experiencing a very low turnout. In overall, there is a 50 per cent decline in the business,” said Sanjay, when asked about how the pandemic has impacted the business.

Customers are also finding it difficult to buy crackers due to price hikes. People are buying fewer crackers and are looking for alternative ways to celebrate Diwali.

Kapil, a resident of Badangpet, who came to purchase crackers, said the prices of crackers are increasing every year since Covid-19. A box of flowerpots (anar) that was sold for Rs 200 to Rs 250 last year is now being sold for Rs 300.