Kolkata: Lighting up homes with candles will be a more expensive proposition this Kali Puja-Diwali following rise in prices. The astronomical rise in international crude oil rates and the subsequent fuel price rise in India has led to a hike in crude derivatives such as liquid paraffin wax, the principal ingredient in making candles.
Price of paraffin wax has increased by 30% in the last three months. As a result, a pack of 10 candles that used to cost Rs 18-Rs 20 is now retailing for Rs 25-Rs 30. The bigger packs of 24 candles that earlier used to cost Rs 50, now costs Rs 65-70. Decorative floral candles which come in boxes of four, six and 10 now range anything between Rs 80-Rs 300.
“The price of candles has increased significantly in the last few months, mostly due to the rise in price of petroleum by-products. The whole sellers have increased the prices of candles of different varieties by 25%- 30% this year, forcing us to increase the prices as well,” said Arun Singh, a seller at Old China Bazar market in Burrabazar.
