India firecracker prices rise by up to 50 percent for Diwali

Firecracker prices in India have increased by 30 to 50 percent for the Diwali festival due to rising production and transportation costs. Manufacturers in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, report that the cost of essential raw materials has surged significantly.

Global geopolitical tensions have impacted the supply of imported chemicals, causing the price of sulfur to rise by approximately 250 percent. Other critical components, such as saltpeter and aluminum powder, have also become more expensive. Additionally, increased costs for diesel, packaging materials, and stricter safety inspections have limited production and driven up retail prices.

Despite the price hikes, new varieties of firecrackers are attracting customers in regions like Chhattisgarh. Novelty items, including lotus-shaped chakris and अनार (anar) plus sky shot combinations, are seeing high demand in markets such as Balod.