New Delhi, April 3 -- Prices of nuts and dry fruits have surged sharply over the past month, after the war in West Asia disrupted supplies from Iran and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan slowed shipments, constraining availability and pushing up costs for Indian buyers.

Prices of staples such as raisins, dates and pistachios have risen 20-30% on average, with sharper spikes in some categories, according to industry estimates. Traders attribute the increase to delayed shipments, higher freight and insurance costs, and restricted trade flows through critical corridors.

The impact is significant because India depends heavily on imports for dry fruits and nuts (DFN), which make up nearly 80% of the country's $8.5 billion market. Wit...