Hyderabad: The rains have played spoilsport with the Rs 200 crore Diwali firecracker business in the city with sales dwarfing by 50 per cent compared with last year. The metrological department has predicted a heavy rainfall in the state till October 20.
Apparently, merchants are worried as sales have not picked up though the festival of light is only two days away.
“Rains are one factor. People are not purchasing, thinking that the rains will make the crackers harder,” observed Mr Rajesh A. of Bhagya Rekha Crackers at Gachibowli. The west zone with a large number of residents from other states has not seen much activities in the market, too.
Retailers are also sulking to go for bulk buys due to the unpredictable weather. “Retailers, who make purchases above '1 lakh, are abstaining. A day of bright sky can change the game,” added Mr G Praveen Reddy of Mega Star fireworks.
Merchants said that the downward trend may chan-ge in the coming days. “The sales may pick up in a day or two,” said Mr Praveen Kumar T, owner of Cracker Mela.com, an online portal.
The GST coupled with the annual 5 per cent hike in prices of crackers is also keeping customers at bay. However, the GST has made some crackers cheaper. “The flower pots, which are a favourite amongst locals, will be cheaper by '10,” said Mr Rajesh.
“We can’t rule out the fact that people are becoming more eco-friendly,” added Mr Praveen.
