LUCKNOW, Nov. 2 -- With Diwali around the corner, decorative lights have become 25% costlier this year, with city traders attributing the price rise to a surge in raw material costs, particularly copper wire and plastic.

In Naka Hindola market, traders said basic fairy lights, which cost Rs.36 last year, are now selling for Rs.44. Similarly, high-glow copper-wire fairy lights have become costlier, rising from Rs.150 to Rs.175. Overall, prices of both Chinese and Indian decorative lights have increased by 20% to 25%. Despite the hike, Chinese lights remain a popular choice among shoppers as their lower copper content makes them relatively cheaper.

Traders Ishaan and Nilesh Tata said fluctuations in the dollar's exchange rate had made Chi...