The increasing summer demand has caused lemon prices to skyrocket by nearly 150 percent in the past month, reaching Rs 1000-1100 per kilogram.
Consumers who depend on lemons for homemade remedies and cooking purposes are struggling with the sudden price hike. Just a month ago, lemons were selling for Rs 200 to Rs 300 per kilogram at retail stores. The steep price increase is attributed to the intense heat, which has driven up lemon consumption for refreshing drinks.
However, this economical and healthful summer staple has become inaccessible to citizens due to the current exorbitant prices.
Key lemon-growing regions in Punjab, such as Sargodha, Sahiwal, Sialkot, and Multan, along with areas in Sindh like Sukkur, Khairpur, and Nawabshah, have experienced minimal rainfall during the fruit-bearing season. This adverse weather has resulted in a forecast of reduced production, with the dry conditions causing delays and reductions in the harvest.
Normally, producers sell their produce to intermediaries or contractors who then distribute the fruit to major cities. Currently, these contractors are leveraging their market control to their advantage. The primary cause of the price increase is the reduced supply from these crucial production areas.
Although the quality of lemons remains high, traders report that the supply is insufficient to meet the demand.
