Pune: Pistachios, which are imported from Iran and play a crucial role in India’s premium dry fruit market, have been in short supply since late Feb.Traders across the city reported that prices of pistachios have risen by 20% to 50% as stocks deplete, with no clarity on when fresh consignments will arrive. Iranian pistachios are now retailing between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,600 per kg depending on quality and roasting.The disruption has been triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have slowed trade and altered shipping routes from Iran. Sumit Agarwal, a dry fruit and nuts wholesaler said, “Earlier, exports were routed through Dubai and distributed globally. Now shipments were being redirected via Turkey, which has significantly increased freight costs.”Iranian pistachios cater to a specific segment and are not easily substituted. In Pune, they have been primarily sourced by Irani families, niche consumers and select restaurants that rely on imports for authenticity rather than convenience. Many depend on relatives travelling from Iran to bring small quantities for personal use.Yusuf Mirdehghan, owner of Husseny Bakery, said, “My uncle travelled from Iran last Nov and brought pistachios and walnuts. We are now reserving them for personal use. We no longer use pistachios in the bakery, though earlier each pista biscuit was topped with a whole nut. For daily consumption, we purchase whatever American varieties are available locally. However, whenever family or friends travel from Iran, they bring pistachios for us. Given the uncertainty of fresh supply, we are using our current stock very sparingly.”Yasmin Irani, a homemaker from Camp, highlighted the distinct quality of Iranian produce. “When guests visit from Iran, they bring dry fruits as gifts. These are not used in cooking but consumed as they are. The pistachios are noticeably larger and have a deeper flavour than other varieties,” she said.Restaurants serving Irani cuisine are also having a hard time getting authentic Iranian pistachios. Mehdi Niroomand, owner of Shisha Cafe, said, “We use small quantities of pistachios, almonds, and saffron in our dishes, but with imports from Iran disrupted, we have had to whatever is available in the market. Even in Iran, over the last few weeks the prices of pistachios have risen so high that it is out of reach for the middle class.“He added that sourcing other Iranian ingredients has also become difficult. “Zereshk (Iranian tart, red dried barberries), which has been used in berry pulao, has become extremely difficult to source. The last batch I received through a contact from Dubai was nearly 50 % expensive, and I have now run out.”Some consumers are also sceptical about pistachios sold locally as Iranian varieites, noting they may in fact be American imports. Pistachio cultivation, originally centred in Iran, was introduced to the United States in the 1930s, particularly in California, which is now a major exporter. While American pistachios are more uniform and widely available, Iranian varieties such as Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei are valued for their larger size and richer flavour.With Iranian supplies constrained and alternatives unable to fully replace them, Pune’s niche consumers and businesses reliant on these imports are facing rising costs, limited availability, and continued uncertainty.
