Apple Prices Surge in Pune as Iran Protests Hit Imports

Pune, 21st January 2026: Political unrest and anti-government protests in Iran have disrupted apple exports to India, triggering a sharp rise in prices in Pune and other markets. With supply falling short of demand, prices of Iranian apples have increased by ₹150 to ₹200 per 10 kg.

Iranian apples are shipped by sea to Mumbai and then supplied to markets across the country, including Pune. According to traders, arrivals at the Gultekdi Market Yard have dropped significantly. While 8,000 to 10,000 crates of apples arrived last week, current arrivals have fallen to around 4,000 to 4,500 crates, creating a supply crunch.

Satyajit Suyog Zende, director of Gurudev Datt Agency at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, said reduced imports from Iran have pushed prices upward. “Demand remains strong, but arrivals have declined sharply, resulting in higher rates,” he said.

The surge in demand has also affected Afghan apples, leading to a price increase there as well. Iranian apples are currently selling at ₹1,350 to ₹1,500 per 10 kg, while Afghan apples are priced between ₹900 and ₹1,000 per 10 kg.

Traders said relief may come in the coming weeks. Import duty on apples from New Zealand has been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, and consignments from New Zealand are expected to enter the market next month. In addition, apples stored in controlled-atmosphere facilities in Kashmir will be released into the market after February 1.

With the holy month of Ramzan beginning in the second week of February, demand for fruits is expected to rise further. Prices are likely to ease only after fresh arrivals from Kashmir and New Zealand increase supply, traders said.