JHALOKATHI, Feb 21 (V7N) – Lemon prices have skyrocketed in Jhalakathi, widely known as the country’s “lemon kingdom,” with retail prices reaching up to Tk 100 per hali during the holy month of Ramadan, causing concern among consumers.

The Bhimruli area of Kirtipasha union in Sadar upazila, famous for its large-scale commercial lemon production, supplies lemons across the country. Farmers usually transport lemons to the renowned floating market by boat as well as by road for wholesale trading. However, production remains comparatively lower in the current season than during the monsoon.

Market visits to several stalls and local bazaars in the district on Friday revealed that the prices of China, paper, desi and cardamom lemons have doubled within a week. A few days ago, lemons were selling at Tk 40–50 per hali, but now prices range between Tk 80 and Tk 120, with some vendors charging around Tk 25 per piece.

Traders and farmers attributed the price surge mainly to a supply shortage and a sudden spike in demand for lemon sherbet during Iftar. Orchard owners said the yield has declined this year due to insufficient rainfall, which caused lemon blossoms to dry up because of a lack of adequate water.

Lemon farmer Jiban Mandal said he recently sold 100 lemons for Tk 14,800, compared to Tk 10,000 for the same quantity just a few weeks ago, reflecting a sharp rise in wholesale prices.

Buyers, however, alleged that some traders are taking advantage of the seasonal demand during Ramadan to raise prices through syndication, as lemons become an essential item for Iftar.

Market insiders warned that unless supply improves or monitoring is strengthened, lemon prices may remain high throughout the remaining days of Ramadan.

END/AIJ/RH