Small lemons, big price: Lemon prices jump from Rs 80 to Rs 280 per kg

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/ALAPPUZHA: Small lemons are no longer small in price. Lemon prices have surged in the wholesale market, with a kilogram now selling for Rs 200 to Rs 280, compared to just Rs 80-90 in July. The price had risen to around Rs 120 before Onam, but has climbed sharply since then. Consumers are now paying Rs 10 to Rs 15 for a single lemon.

Lemon prices usually rise during the Malayalam month of Chingam due to the Onam and wedding seasons. However, prices normally start falling as the season comes to an end. This year, that usual trend has not been seen. Traders say the shortage of lemons and an unusual rise in temperatures could push prices even higher in the coming days.

Supply falls, prices rise

Tamil Nadu's Puliyangudi is the main source of small lemons arriving in Kerala. Supplies also come from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
Traders attribute the current price rise mainly to a drop in supply caused by climate change, which has affected lemon production.