In India, the cost of lemons has escalated significantly, impacting consumers and altering consumption patterns. Online platforms list lemons at Rs 225 per kilo, and green grocers are selling them for Rs 250, while the wholesale price stands at Rs 100. The surge in prices is attributed to increased demand driven by higher temperatures and religious fasting periods such as Ramadan and Navratri. Consequently, restaurants and canteens have removed lemons from their offerings, and households are substituting fresh lemonade with instant alternatives.
The Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) reports that the city's daily lemon consumption averages 55 tonnes, but current demand has surged by 40% due to climatic conditions and festivals, with supply dwindling to approximately 40 tonnes. Gujarat contributes merely 7% to this consumption, with the majority being sourced externally. APMC Secretary, Sanjay Patel, noted a lemon shortage in Gujarat, with the state receiving its supply primarily from Karnataka, barely meeting the daily requirement. He anticipates a decrease in wholesale rates by the end of the month with the arrival of new crops. Presently, wholesale prices vary across locations, with the highest retail prices observed in western Ahmedabad areas such as Bopal, Satellite, and Vastrapur at Rs 250 per kg.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com