The price of lemons has almost doubled in the steel city with increased demand for the vitamin C rich fruit during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At present, the retail price of lemon is Rs 20 for three. It was available for Rs 10 for 3, a week back.

The immunity boosting component of vitamin C is driving the demand believe vegetable and fruit sellers.

“Demand for lemon has shot up. People coming to the market are looking for lemons like never before,” said Balram Prajapati, who runs a vegetable shop at Sakchi.

He added that the price of lemons would go up more in the days to come. “Some of the customers are buying lemons in good quantity. This was not the case earlier,” he said.

“Kahte hain ki nimboo khane se rog pratirodhak shakti badti hain. Isliye log ise achhi matra mein kharid rahen hain (It is said lemons increase immunity. This is the reason people are buying lemons in good numbers),” said Sital Gupta, another vegetable seller in Bistupur.

The price of lemon is the same in other vegetable markets of the city, including Kadma, Sonari and Telco.

“I purchased lemons at Rs 10 (for 3) last week. The vegetable sellers increased the price since its demand has shot up in Covid times,” said Ashutosh Singh, a customer at Bistupur market.

Prices of potato and onions, on the other hand, have not gone up in the retail market. While potato is selling at Rs 15 a kg, onion is available at Rs 25 a kilo.

A functionary at Parsudih-based Krishi Utpadan Samity said they have not received any complaints over the increase in price of vegetables and fruits.

“Strict action will be initiated against those who are hoarding and selling products in black,” he said on condition of anonymity.