Residents left sour as lemon prices skyrocket in Rajkot

RAJKOT - With lemon prices soaring above Rs 60 per kilogram, residents of Rajkot are feeling distinctly sour.

While shortage in supply is slated as the reason, the high prices are definitely making a hole in the consumer’s pocket.

The price of lemons has risen over 300 percent in just a month. Earlier, the sour fruit was being sold at Rs. 15 per kg.

“The price of lemons has increased steeply. Just a month back lemons were priced at 15 rupees per kilogram but now we get only 250 grams of lemons in that money. We have been hit badly. In summer season, lemon is used in squashes and in many other things but what can we do?” asked Rekha Maru, a consumer.

“It is an annual phenomena that lemon prices increase as summer season arrives. But this year the rise in price is steeper because of shortage of rainfall. The lemons are sold around 40 rupees per kilogram during this time of year, but this year the price is around 60-70 rupees per kilogram,” said Ibrahim Bhai, a vegetable seller.

Rising inflation, particularly in the sphere of food items, has sparked recurring street protests across India and has put political pressure on the Congress-led UPA to find a solution without hurting economic recovery. (ANI)