Soaring Coconut Prices in Maharashtra for Festive Season Due to Shortage

Amid peak festive season, the price of the humble coconut has increased to unprecedented levels, according to The Times of India, October 19.  Retail prices have shot up to Rs 40-80 apiece from Rs 25-35 while the wholesale price is Rs 30-70, depending on size.  Copra costs Rs 400-450 per kilo in retail and Rs 300-350 in wholesale.
Traders blame shortage caused by demand-supply mismatch. Erratic weather, new viruses and insects have reduced yield in South India, impacting both domestic and international markets.