With temperatures soaring across the region, lemon prices have shot up drastically, pushing the citrus fruit beyond the reach of many consumers. In Rawalpindi's open markets, desi (local) lemons are now selling for as much as Rs1,000 per kilogram, with prices climbing to Rs1,100 in some suburban areas.
Even the less-preferred Chinese variety, known locally as "China dummy khatti," has surged to Rs800 per kilogram.
Neither the desi lemons nor the Chinese ones currently available in the market contain much juice, leaving buyers frustrated.
According to Anjuman-e-Tajran Sabzi Mandi President Ghulam Qadir Mir, the local lemon crop has not yet fully arrived in the market. "The intense heat has hit earlier than expected, causing demand to spike to nearly three times the usual level, while supply remains below normal," he said.
He added that this price trend is likely to continue throughout the current week. However, a drop in prices is expected next week as supplies of both local and Chinese lemons increase.
Highlight: Price trend is likely to continue throughout the current week according to traders association leader
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