Century-old itra trade disrupted by US-Iran war during Ramzan

Bhopal: The century-old ‘itra' (perfume) industry in Bhopal faces unprecedented crisis amid Iran-US war disruptions, just as Ramzan demand peaks and sales skyrocket during the time. Local traders, who had pinned hopes on surpassing Rs 10 crore in revenue from a single month's sales, now grapple with stalled shipments and cancelled orders worth lakhs of rupees. Exports to West Asia account for about 35% of Bhopal's total itra trade, making the region a lifeline for this aromatic sector. However, geopolitical tensions have grounded consignments, leaving warehouses overflowing and families in limbo. "My family has been in the itra business here for almost 100 years. We've never seen a situation like this," lamented trader Syed Mohammad Altamash Jalal.He revealed that several kilograms of premium goods destined for Middle Eastern markets remain stuck in transit. "Orders for many items have been cancelled outright," Jalal added, his voice heavy with frustration. Bhopal's itra varieties span a wide spectrum—from affordable Rs 50 bottles of basic scents to exotic premium blends fetching up to Rs 20,000 per tola—catering to everyone from daily buyers to high-end connoisseur. "The timing couldn't be worse," said another trader Arif Khan. Traders stockpile in anticipation, employing hundreds of local artisans who handcraft these elixirs using time-honored techniques passed down generations. "Yet, this year, the war's ripple effects have dimmed the festive glow. Supply chain snarls, soaring freight costs, and wary importers have slashed projections," said Khan. Smaller family-run units, the backbone of the industry, report 40-50% drops in orders. Industry insiders warn that prolonged disruptions could idle workshops and push marginal players in backfoot, threatening sever hit in clusters like Jahangirabad and Bairagarh. As Bhopal's faithful prepare for iftar feasts and night prayers, the fragrance of resilience hangs in the air—but for how long.