Jatni, Nov 4: The impact of the ongoing US-Iran conflict is being felt in Odisha’s firecracker market ahead of Diwali, with prices of different varieties of crackers rising by 23–35 per cent this year. Besides the price hike, the supply of firecrackers to the state has also declined compared to previous years, putting an additional burden on consumers.

Most licensed firecracker dealers in Odisha procure their stock from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, one of India's major firecracker manufacturing hubs. Dealers usually place advance orders in December and January for the following Diwali season and make advance payments to manufacturers. However, when they went to collect their orders in June, manufacturers cited an increase in raw material costs due to the US-Iran conflict and demanded additional payments. Dealers were reportedly given two options: pay more to receive the full order or accept a reduced quantity against the advance payment.

With no other option, many dealers opted for smaller quantities, said Trilochan Patnaik, president of the All Odisha Fireworks Dealers Association. He admitted that the price rise would affect consumers this festive season.

QR Codes To Help Identify Green Crackers

Following Supreme Court directions, the manufacture and sale of firecrackers that produce excessive noise and harmful emissions have been restricted. Only PESO-approved green crackers are permitted for sale.

According to wholesalers, QR codes printed on cracker packages help consumers identify genuine green crackers. Scanning the code provides information about the product. However, allegations of fake QR codes have raised concerns, prompting demands for stricter verification by the authorities.

Firecrackers Worth Over Rs 10 Crore Arrive In Jatni

Jatni is witnessing a surge in business ahead of Diwali as it remains one of Odisha's major wholesale firecracker markets. Around six to seven wholesale dealers in the town have reportedly brought firecrackers worth more than Rs 10 crore this year.

Retailers from Jatni and four to five neighbouring districts procure their stocks from these wholesalers.

Strict Safety Rules For Firecracker Shops

To prevent accidents in crowded marketplaces, the police administration has imposed restrictions on firecracker shops in Jatni since 2016. Dealers are now allowed to set up shops only in open spaces away from residential areas.

This year, 117 shops have been permitted within the Sharata Paikray Stadium premises, while 40 applications have reportedly been received for shops along the Talakheta Chhak road.

Jatni Fire Officer Sushant Kumar Sahu said shopkeepers have been instructed to maintain proper distances between shops, keep adequate access roads and arrange essential fire safety equipment, including sand, water and gunny bags. Regular inspections are being conducted, and violations will invite action.

However, the stretch from Talakheta Chhak to Gobindpur continues to raise traffic and safety concerns, as firecracker shops along the roadside could lead to congestion. Last year, vehicles remained stranded for hours on this route. Residents have urged the police administration to take necessary steps to prevent a repeat of the situation this Diwali.