Ahmedabad: Inflation is affecting Diwali shopping lists, with households facing price pressures on everyday essentials even as the festive season brings a fresh round of spending. Gujarat’s retail inflation stood at 5.11% in Sept, while national food inflation reached 7.74%, according to Consumer Price Index data from Union ministry of statistics and programme implementation.For households, Diwali brings its own set of expenses, from dry fruits, sweets, and new clothes to gold and silver purchases, electronics and family travel. With prices of everyday goods and services already heating up, the additional festive outlay could force consumers to rethink how much they spend.“People have already cut fringe expenses, and this could gradually take away the traditional sheen of Diwali celebrations,” said Jayendra Tanna, president of Gujarat Traders’ Federation. “Spending capacity has come under pressure as lifestyle expenses have increased over and above inflation.”National inflation in personal care and miscellaneous goods and services stood at 13.75% in Sept, while restaurants and accommodation services recorded 9.36%.For retailers, the challenge will be to sustain demand through the festive season. Discounts, smaller purchases and a shift towards lower-priced alternatives could shape buying patterns as consumers balance customary Diwali spending against routine household expenses.Photo Quotes:“Dry fruit demand is down 60%, while prices have risen 25%. Lower purchasing power and higher freight costs have reduced order volumes substantially. Consumers have more alternatives, and due to high prices, many have shifted away from dry fruits this festive season.” Vandan Shah, associate member, Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India“Home appliance prices have risen 15-30%, driven by higher electronic chip and freight costs, with anti-dumping duties adding to the pressure. Demand is down 20% year-on-year, store inquiries are weak, and turnover remains flat due to higher prices. Rising costs leave little room for discounts.” Bhavesh Waria, president, Ahmedabad Electronics Dealers’ Association“Demand for gold and silver remains healthy as prices have recently reduced, with bookings also coming in for lab-grown diamonds and lightweight jewellery. However, pure gold and silver prices are definitely higher compared to last year. Consumers are exploring different options to suit their budgets and preferences this festive season.” Jigar Soni, president, Jewellers Association of AhmedabadBox:Mapping cost escalationDRY FRUITS· Almonds: 25% (Rs 1,050-1,100/kg)· Cashews: 10% (Rs 1,000-1,060/kg)· Pistachios: 40% (Rs 1,700-1,850/kg)· Walnuts: 20% (Rs 800-950/kg)FESTIVE GROCERIES· Sugar: 35% (Rs 60-75/kg)· Edible oil: 21% (Rs 190-220/litre)· Ghee: Rs 650-750/kgELECTRONICS· Home appliances, electronics: 15-20%GOLD AND SILVER· Gold: Rs 1,46,500/10g· Silver: Rs 1,93,000/kgTRAVEL· Airfare: 20-25%Hotel tariff: 30%
