Nalgonda lemon prices surge amid supply shortage
HYDERABAD: Lemon prices have surged in the city markets due to unseasonal rains and a fall in output. In the retail market, a single lemon is selling for ₹10.
At the Darushifa wholesale market, a 25-kg bag of lemons is currently priced between ₹2,000 and ₹3,500. Lower-quality lemons in the bulk market are being sold for ₹1,500 to ₹1,800 per bag.
Supply from Nalgonda belt drops sharply since mid-March
Traders said lemons are arriving in the city from Suryapet, Nakrekal, Narketpally and Chityal areas of Nalgonda district. Another trader, Naresh Kumar, said supply has almost halved since mid-March.
Earlier, 1,200 to 1,500 bags weighing 25 kg each used to reach the market. Now, only 800 to 1,000 bags are arriving, he added.
Intermediary trade pushes retail rates, hotels cut usage
Middlemen are buying lemons from main dealers and supplying them to vegetable vendors, leading to higher retail prices. Due to the shortage, hotel owners have reduced serving lemons with biryani, Chinese fast food and salads.
