Iran War Impact: Apple Prices Rise Rs 40/kg in Pune as 900 Fruit Containers Stuck at Ports

Pune, 4th March 2026: The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, Israel and several Gulf nations has begun to impact the fruit trade, with consignments stuck at ports and Iranian apples becoming costlier in the Indian market.

With the holy month of Ramadan underway, demand for fruits typically rises sharply across Gulf countries. Iranian apples and a range of Indian fruits such as bananas and grapes witness strong demand during this period. However, the sudden escalation of tensions has disrupted shipping operations, leaving hundreds of containers stranded at ports.

Traders said the suspension of apple imports from Iran has led to a sharp rise in prices in India. Apple prices have increased by ₹30 to ₹40 per kilogram due to supply constraints. At the same time, Indian fruits meant for export to Gulf countries are lying stuck at ports, leading to a fall in domestic prices and heavy losses for farmers.

Sujoy Zende, a fruit exporter to Gulf nations, said the conflict has severely affected Indian farmers. “During Ramadan, there is huge demand for fruits in Gulf countries. Large quantities of bananas, grapes, onions and rice are exported. Currently, around 250 to 300 reefer containers of bananas and nearly 100 containers of grapes are stuck at Mumbai port. In addition, 350 to 400 normal containers of other goods are also awaiting clearance,” he said.

He added that due to port closures in the conflict-hit region, around 500 to 600 containers of bananas and grapes that were dispatched have not reached their destination. Another 500 to 550 containers of other commodities are similarly affected.

Imports have also been hit. Around 800 to 900 containers of apples, kiwis and dates meant for India are reportedly stranded at Iranian ports. Each container of apples or kiwis carries about 23 to 24 tonnes of produce valued at ₹30 to ₹32 lakh, while a container of dates is worth approximately ₹45 lakh.

Zende said most of the bananas, grapes and onions being exported originate from Maharashtra. With shipments halted, farmers and traders are facing substantial financial losses. Domestic market prices of these agricultural commodities have crashed, leaving growers distressed.

He further pointed out that operations at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port have been severely affected following reported attacks, leading to power outages. As a result, produce stored in refrigerated containers is at risk of spoilage. With shipping services suspended, the stranded goods cannot be rerouted or brought back, worsening the crisis for exporters and farmers alike.

Exporters have urged the Maharashtra government to take concrete steps and provide compensation to affected farmers and traders, citing mounting losses due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.