The Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association (TIFMA) general secretary T I agree said that though production has come down by nearly 60%, there is good demand for crackers in the market.
“The price of crackers has gone up by 25% this year compared to last year. This is because of increase in price of raw materials such as chemicals and papers which are essential for the production of fireworks. Though the prices have increased manifold, we have just raised prices by a meagre 25% since further increase would affect sales,” he said. Every year new varieties with different effects would be introduced in the market during Diwali. “Since our production has been hit due to the Supreme Court ban on use of barium nitrate and joint crackers (wala crackers), only a few players are manufacturing new varieties by making slight alterations in colour and effect to the existing variety of crackers,” he said.
C Ramesh, who runs a cracker shop in the city and has been in the business for 17 years, said though the prices have gone up, it has not affected sales.
“The sale of crackers will increase in the next few days since the holidays have just begun. With only a few days left for Diwali, people who receive bonuses from their employers would start making their purchases from Saturday. The sale would peak this weekend,” he said.
He added that while families with small children opt for regular varieties such as flowerpots, chakkars and sparklers, youngsters are into purchasing a fancy variety of crackers. S Arunachalama resident of Anna Nagarsaid he purchased all varieties of crackers to suit the taste of different family members as all of them burst crackers during Diwali. “Though the price of crackers is increasing every year, it will not stop us from purchasing crackers to celebrate Diwali,” he said.