The traditional paan, a much-loved post-dinner treat, has recently witnessed a significant price hike in Bengaluru. As reported by TOI, retailers all over the city have increased prices of paan by a minimum of ₹5 per piece, citing the rising costs of key ingredients as the reason. This follows the larger trend of increasing paan prices in Bengaluru.
Booming Betel Leaf Prices
According to the Times of India, the major paan ingredient, Betel leaves, has witnessed high price hikes. Locally sourced leaves now sell between ₹160 and ₹200 per packet of 100, while high-end varieties cost up to ₹1,000 a packet. Leaves of superior quality have even crossed ₹2,000 per packet. The drastic hike has made vendors shift their prices.
This is not only a trend in Bengaluru. In Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the price of betel leaves utilised for the well-known ‘Calcutta paan’ has increased from ₹500 to ₹1,200 per bundle of 100, causing the price of paans to rise from ₹8 to ₹12 to ₹20 to ₹50, depending on the fillings.
The recent Ramzan festival and the current wedding season have further strained the supply chain. Growing demand during these seasons has further exacerbated the shortage of betel leaves, pushing up market prices. Traders have countered by adopting price adjustments to deal with these seasonal changes.
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Weather Conditions Impacted On Supply
The unfavourable weather patterns, especially the current heatwave in parts of Karnataka like Kolar district, have impacted the growing of betel leaves adversely. Low volumes from local suppliers compelled vendors to source leaves from faraway states like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Odisha, increasing transport costs and factoring in the general increase in paan prices.
The same issues are seen elsewhere. In Tamil Nadu, extreme heat and drought have reduced betel leaf production by half, leading to economic hardship for farmers. Also, in Bihar, unpredictable and extreme weather has disrupted the production of the renowned Magahi paan, impacting supply and prices.
As these forces continue to shape the market, paan lovers might have to get used to these increased prices. Knowing why the increase is happening can help to increase the appreciation of this much-loved tradition.
As paan lovers get used to this change, one cannot help but wonder — will this favourite post-meal snack continue to be widely affordable, or will it gradually become a luxury?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation)
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