TIRUPATI: People going to buy crackers in Tirupati and Nellore feel the pinch with the mounting prices. Though the district administration has provided licences to sell them in Chittoor district, some are selling crackers without the licence. Buyers say that the rates have skyrocketed when compared to last year. The sellers also admit that the prices have gone up a bit but it is from the side of wholesale.

A small pack of green bombs is being sold for `500. The sellers maintain there would be no bargaining on the rates fixed by the companies.K. Subramanyam, a seller from Nellore, said, “The prices are fixed by the manufacturing companies. We are selling them at a very low margin compared to previous year. Forget about profit, I am worried whether my investment would be returned or not.”

S. Keerthana, a buyer from Nellore, said, “Crackers are important for Diwali. They are compulsory if there are kids in the house. But we are forced to spend a bag full of cash to buy a pocket full of crackers. The prices were high in the previous year but they have skyrocketed this year.” P. Naresh Kumar, a buyer from Tirupati, said, “Whom should I complain about prices? No department cares about the prices of crackers. Sellers behave rudely with customers if they are asked about the high prices. Diwali is meant to light crackers but not us.” Some people manage to sell crackers illegally in the city without proper licence. Officials thoroughly che-ck the licences. But, they tend to overlook the small vendors who are not taking proper precautions.