Bengaluru: Even before summer has officially set in, Bengaluru’s favourite natural coolant is already getting costlier. Tender coconut prices have begun climbing across the city, with vendors citing rising temperatures. Retailers say that if the trend continues, prices could touch Rs 70 during peak summer.Tuesday, larger coconuts were selling at Rs 60 a piece, while smaller ones were priced between Rs 25 and Rs 30. Wholesale prices at the Maddur APMC market in Mandya district — considered one of India’s largest tender coconut markets — hovered between Rs 30 and Rs 35. Bengaluru vendors source most of their stocks from Maddur.Though peak summer demand is yet to begin, vendors say sweltering afternoons are already driving brisk sales. Interestingly, arrivals at Maddur have surpassed the previous year’s supply due to good rainfall in 2025. Maddur APMC secretary Satish said 2-5 lakh coconuts arrive daily, touching six lakh on some days.“The current wholesale price has touched Rs 35 per nut. Considering demand from Karnataka and other states, it may cross Rs 40–45 soon. Top-quality coconuts are sent to markets like Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, while the second-grade and leftover stocks are sold locally,” he explained.Traders said second-grade coconuts bought at Rs 20–30 wholesale are retailed in Bengaluru for Rs 50–60. Smaller leftovers, purchased at Rs 8–10, are sold in the city for Rs 25–30.“We are selling the large ones at Rs 60 and the small ones at Rs 25–30. Prices may touch Rs 70, but customers hesitate at that rate. Some coconuts disappoint with less water and more copra, so many prefer smaller ones,” said Giri J, a vendor near Banashankari.———— Market dynamics-Coconuts traded at Maddur market2024-25: 9.3 crore 2025-26 (till Feb): 9.5 crore -Coconuts sent to north India: 80-90 truckloads (10-14 wheelers) daily-Sent to Bengaluru: 40-50 truckloads (smaller trucks)-Sold in Bengaluru: 4-5 lakh-Small coconuts sold in Bengaluru: 1- 2 lakh-Farmgate price: Rs 25-35——
