Hyderabad sees sharp price rise amid Hormuz crisis
HYDERABAD: Prices across essential goods and consumer products have surged sharply over the past month, driven by disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
From breakfast items such as idli and dosa to mobile phones, televisions and kitchen appliances, costs have risen across categories. Medicines and construction materials have also recorded steep increases. Online delivery platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto have raised prices by 6–9%, while food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato show higher menu rates.
Electronics, food, medicines see steep cost escalation
Electronics and home appliance manufacturers have increased prices three times in the first four months of 2026. Rising costs of copper, aluminium, components and semiconductor chips, along with higher raw material prices, have contributed to the hike.
Mobile phone prices have risen by 10–20%. A handset that cost ₹15,000 earlier is now being sold for up to ₹18,000. Brands such as Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, Nothing and Redmi have raised prices by up to 15%, while Realme increased rates by ₹500–₹1,500. Mid-range phones priced between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000 have seen the steepest rise due to a 50–60% jump in RAM and memory chip costs.
Air-conditioner prices have increased by 7–15%, with units that cost ₹32,000–₹34,000 last year now priced around ₹40,000. Washing machines and refrigerators are costlier by 8–15%, while kitchen appliances have seen a 5–7% rise. Television prices have increased by 5–10%, with 32-inch models rising from ₹6,500–₹8,500 to nearly ₹10,000.
Supply disruptions, rupee fall add to price pressure
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global supply chains, triggering shortages and cascading price increases across sectors. A fall in the rupee has further added to the burden, pushing overall costs up by 8–15%.
Telecom companies have also raised tariffs by up to 20% and withdrawn some low-cost recharge plans.
According to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, prices of 760 commonly used medicines increased from April 1. Drugs for diabetes, blood pressure and antibiotics, including paracetamol, metformin and insulin, have become costlier. Some medicines have seen hikes of up to 92%, driven by higher petroleum-linked raw material and packaging costs.
Gas shortage pushes up restaurant and food prices
A shortage of liquefied petroleum gas has affected hotels and food businesses. Many establishments are operating only a few days a week due to supply constraints. Reports indicate that commercial cylinders are being sold in the black market at ₹3,000–₹5,000 per unit.
As a result, food prices have increased. A meal that earlier cost ₹120 now costs ₹130, idli prices have risen from ₹40 to ₹50 per plate, and dosa prices from ₹45 to ₹60. Snacks such as mirchi and bajji have also become costlier by ₹10 per plate.
Construction costs rise further
Construction has become more expensive due to higher input costs. Steel prices have increased by 15–35% and cement by about 10% compared to last year. UPVC and ready-mix concrete prices have risen by up to 25%, while furniture costs have increased by over 10%.
