Berhampur: The excitement of Odisha people was at its peak to celebrate the festival of lights after two years of Covid curbs. The firecracker sellers had spread their wings of happiness by installing stalls at different places across the state.
According to sources, the price of firecrackers has become expensive this year. The price of each firecracker has increased by 30 to 40 per cent.
The cost of a sparkler packet, which was available at Rs 35 two years ago, has now risen to Rs 54. Similarly, the price of Ghari (kumpi) has increased from Rs 80 to Rs 111, and sky-shots crackers from Rs 280 to Rs 450.
The cracker business is witnessing low sales due to a hike in prices as well as the weather forecast of the possible cyclone on Diwali on October 24.
“Nobody is interested in buying the firecrackers this year after being informed about the possible cyclone and rainy weather. Only 10 per cent of crackers have been sold as of now and it seems we will be suffering a huge loss this year,” a firecracker seller in Berhampur told media.
It is pertinent to mention here that in 2019, the businessmen of Odisha bought materials worth Rs 50 crore to prepare firecrackers while they have bought materials worth Rs 15 crore this year.
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