Bangalore: The cost of indulging in a refreshing paan after meals is no longer as affordable in Bengaluru, with paan vendors across the city hiking prices of the mouth freshener. The price of paan has increased by at least Rs 5, with the rising cost of betel leaves being the primary reason. The price of a bundle of locally grown betel leaves has nearly doubled, now ranging between Rs 160 and Rs 200, while premium-quality leaves have surged to Rs 1,000 per bundle, and the highest-quality leaves have touched Rs 2,000 per bundle.
Other ingredients, such as gulkand, have also become costlier, increasing from Rs 80 to Rs 120 for a 200-gram pack, while copra prices have risen from Rs 20 to Rs 25 per 100 grams. This latest price revision follows a previous hike in May-June last year, a TOI report said. Paan vendors attribute the price increase to multiple factors, including the ongoing wedding season and the rising cost of betel leaves.
Some vendors note that they have been forced to use a single betel leaf instead of two while preparing paan to manage costs. Despite the hike, customers continue to purchase paan, with some vendors reporting a 10 per cenr increase in prices due to Ramzan and wedding season demand. Bengaluru primarily sources its betel leaves from regions such as Bangarpet, Malur, and Kolar taluks.
However, the prevailing hot weather conditions in Kolar have negatively impacted production, leading to reduced supply and higher prices. Since local sources are unable to .
