Nolen Gur Prices Soar: Fuel Crisis & Sap Scarcity Threaten Pithe-Puli Season

• Nolen Gur prices are expected to rise sharply during the Pithe-Puli season, causing distress for traders and buyers.
• The scarcity is attributed to reduced availability of date palm sap and a severe fuel crisis for jaggery production.
• Jaggery makers face challenges due to fewer date palm trees, lack of traditional fuel (leaves), and insufficient wood, leading to alternative fuels like straw affecting taste.
• High fuel costs (nearly ₹100) compared to jaggery's market price (₹200-₹250/kg) make production unprofitable for producers in Mathurapur, South 24 Parganas.
• Despite significant effort and cost, traditional 'shiulis' continue production to preserve Bengal's heritage amidst fears of hoarding and rising prices for all jaggery types.

Why It Matters: Nolen Gur scarcity and rising prices due to fuel and sap shortages threaten Bengal's Pithe-Puli tradition.