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Geopolitical Tensions Strands Indian Grapes
4 Mar
Summary
- West Asian conflict halts Maharashtra grape exports to Gulf countries.
- Thousands of tonnes of grapes are stranded at JNPA port.
- Potential price drop looms for domestic grape market.
Maharashtra's crucial grape exports to Gulf countries have been brought to a standstill by escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This situation has created significant uncertainty in air and sea routes across West Asia, directly affecting shipments destined for the Gulf region, particularly during the Ramadan season.
Approximately 300 containers, totaling 3,900 tonnes of grapes, were already en route to Dubai when exports were halted. Furthermore, an additional 700 containers remain at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and nearby cold storage facilities, awaiting clarification on shipping schedules. This presents a substantial risk to the region's grape farmers and exporters.
Industry estimates indicate that up to 16,000 tonnes of grapes could be affected if the suspension continues. Exporters are concerned that grapes procured at export-level prices of ₹120 to ₹170 per kilogram may need to be diverted to domestic markets, leading to considerable financial losses and potentially causing a supply glut and price reduction domestically.
