School Reopening Shock For Parents! Notebook, Textbook Prices Jump Up To 60% Ahead Of New Academic Year
School Reopening Shock For Parents! Notebook, Textbook Prices Jump Up To 60% Ahead Of New Academic Year
Rising fuel prices, costly paper production and transportation expenses have pushed up the prices of notebooks, textbooks and school supplies across Maharashtra, increasing the financial burden on parents before schools reopen.
As the new academic year approaches, parents across Maharashtra are facing a major financial burden due to the sharp increase in prices of school supplies. From notebooks and textbooks to school bags and uniforms, the cost of almost every essential item has increased significantly ahead of the school reopening season.
According to traders and booksellers, the prices of notebooks, textbooks and other educational materials have risen by nearly 40 to 60 per cent compared to last year. In several markets, including Mumbai’s Dadar area, parents have already started shopping for school essentials as schools are expected to reopen within the next 15 to 20 days.
The rise in prices is being linked to increasing fuel costs, expensive raw materials and higher transportation charges. Shopkeepers say the cost of paper pulp and chemicals used in paper production has increased internationally, directly impacting notebook and textbook prices in India.
Supplementary books, practice sets, notebooks, school bags and art materials have reportedly become 20 to 25 per cent more expensive this year. At the same time, prices of uniforms, lunch boxes, water bottles and rainwear items such as umbrellas and raincoats have also increased by nearly 15 to 20 per cent.
“The prices of notebooks, textbooks and other school supplies have increased significantly in major markets in the state, including Mumbai,” the report stated, adding that some vendors have already started selling materials at revised rates.
Booksellers say transportation costs have more than doubled due to rising fuel prices, making it difficult to maintain previous pricing levels. The increase in oil prices has also affected the overall supply chain connected to educational products.
Parents visiting bookstores and stationery shops are now reportedly prioritising only essential purchases because of budget constraints. Many families say managing school expenses has become increasingly difficult amid rising household inflation.
Another concern for parents is the delay in the availability of textbooks for students from Classes 1 to 3. According to booksellers, curriculum-related changes have delayed printing and distribution. Traders expect the new textbooks to arrive in the market within the next eight to ten days.
With schools set to reopen soon, crowded markets and rising educational expenses are expected to continue putting pressure on household budgets across Maharashtra.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability of school supplies may vary depending on location, brand and market conditions.
