Prices of lemons in retail markets have doubled in Ranchi further hitting the kitchen budgets as temperatures continue to soar in the capital and elsewhere in the state, several parts of which are undergoing heatwave conditions. At several popular retail vegetable marts such as in Morabadi, Lalpur, and Kutchery, the cost of lemon per piece has doubled in just couple of days.
On Monday, a mid-size lemon per piece was being sold at Rs 10 in Morabadi. Similar was the situation in Lalpur while big lemons there was priced anywhere between Rs 12-15 per piece, making several customers see red over the rising inflation.
Demand for lemon, a people friendly fruit and a rich source of vitamin C, shoots up specially during summer as it also serves as a great source as summer coolant. Nimbu-paani (lemon juice or water) is also preferred by most households after meals or otherwise as it helps in easy digestion and offers solace to the frayed nerves.
“I have never thought that the humble lemon too will now start to go out of common man’s reach. Specially during the summer, we at least consumption of half a dozen lemons per day at our home either for nimbu pani or for salads. However, I had to cut down on my purchase to half today due to the exorbitant price,” remarked Samir Das, a septuagenarian, who was out in Morabadi for his daily purchase of vegetables.
A home maker Savitry Sinha rued how kitchen budgets have turned unmanageable owing to the rising inflation. “Vegetable prices are already skyrocketing and so are the prices of fruits of late. Essential oils too are equally burning everyone’s pockets besides mandatory pulses. Lemon juice was the easiest offering one can provide at home to any visiting guest but now, it seems that one has to do away with it too,” she said.
According to retail vegetable vendors, supply shortage due to erratic weather, coupled with rise in fuel prices and other logistic expenses are leading to the rise in lemon prices. “The prices will further go up,” said Budhu Oraon, a vendor at Morabadi.
