Pune: Parents across Pune are breathing easier this school season after a noticeable drop in the prices of notebooks and school stationery. The academic year will begin in 10 days for most govt and private schools and the markets are bustling. The price reduction is largely due to a steep fall—around 40 to 50%—in the cost of raw paper imported from abroad. This led to a 15 to 20% drop in the prices of notebooks, registers, and other paper-based school materials.Retailers confirmed that notebooks which cost ₹400–₹450 per dozen last year are now available for ₹300. A4-size notebooks, earlier priced at ₹600 per dozen, are now being sold at ₹450–₹480. Drawing books, which were ₹42, are now ₹32 per book. However, prices for felt pens and whiteners remained unchanged.“Prices have come down by at least 10-15%,” Rajiv Chandak of Trimurti Traders said. “Medium-quality A4 notebooks that sold for ₹540 are now ₹450. We’ve revised our cash memos to reflect the new rates.”Sachin Gaikwad of ABC Stationers added, “Last year, A4 notebooks were priced between ₹700 and ₹800 depending on the brand. This year, they are available for as low as ₹300. It’s a 5–8% dip across various formats.”Nikhil Shah of Bombay Book Manufacturing Company said, “Paper rates have stabilised. Last year, during the peak season, prices shot up. This year, the same A4 notebook from a top brand like Classmate, which cost Rs 75, is available for Rs 65.”Kothrud resident Suhas Kulkarni said, “We have two school-going children, so every rupee matters. Compared to the last year, our stationery bill is down by nearly 20%. It’s a big relief. We could buy everything—bags, notebooks, lunch boxes—within our budget.”Kondhwa resident Vaishali Kedari said, “Usually, we spend a lot on notebooks and registers. But this year, the prices are really reasonable. We didn’t have to cut corners and were able to buy everything our daughter needed without stress.”With school reopening just a week away, shopkeepers expect more crowds during this weekend and over the next week. For now, the price correction is happy news.
