A day after the internet service providers blocked more than 800 pornographic websites, a number of cities across the country reported a spike in the cost of underground sale of porn DVDs, the demand for which headed north.

With the ban preventing download of adult content, people and retailers queued up in markets like Palika Bazar, Lajpat Nagar and Paharganj in New Delhi, where the DVD business is known to be flourishing more than before. DVDs available for Rs 100 last week are being sold for Rs 300. Also, an 8GB normal DVD is costing around Rs 300 containing 10-12 HD clips of all sorts.

Vendors in Kolkata hiked porn CD prices by 20% to 30%. At upmarket Park Circus, a vendor said CDs that sold for Rs 20 are now going for Rs 25-30. MMS clips, most in demand, now cost Rs 30-40 -- nearly double that of Monday’s price. Another vendor said there has been a hike of 20% in prime locations like Gariahat and Rashbehari Avenue. English porn DVDs are selling for Rs 50-60, up from Rs 40.

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In Lucknow, consumers of porn said pirated CD/DVDs were selling at 50% higher rates. The congested Preet and Amber markets in Naka and Naza market in Hazratganj are key hubs where computer material and CDs are sold openly.

Manish Mohan (name changed), who runs the business since 1995 and is among the big fish, said, “Vendors from districts like Basti, Faizabad, Barabanki, Raibareli and Sitapur are primary buyer group.”

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In Bengaluru, more than DVDs, demand for VPN (virtual private network) has risen; it allows a person to bypass the block by the service provider. At National Market, DVD retailers said that over the years, they had cut down on stock as people buying pornography CDs had gone down. “We hear the ban may be lifted soon, so we’re not stocking up,” said one vendor.

At Avenue Market, Bengaluru’s computer hardware and software hub, vendors said there have been several queries about VPNs. “But interestingly, many buyers don’t know how to use it,” said a vendor.

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The ban has also curbed one’s right to choose from the bundle. None of the DVDs or CDs wear erotic covers. “All CDs look the same. No covers or titles any more. We’ll give you what you want, but can’t do a test play. If it doesn’t work, return it by tomorrow. You can also try Lajpat Nagar and or Paharganj area, won’t get this quality,” a vendor in Delhi said.

Mumbai and Chennai continued to report sale of cheap porn DVDs.

(With inputs from Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bengaluru)