Lemon Prices Skyrocket in Sylhet Ahead of Ramadan

Local Correspondent

The price of lemons in Sylhet has hit an all-time high just before the start of Ramadan.

A lemon that cost 5 BDT ten days ago is now being sold for 20-25 BDT, marking a sharp increase. Prices of other daily essentials have also seen an upward trend.

Yesterday, visits to Bandarbazar, Ambarkhana, Rikabibazar, and Madina Market areas revealed that lemons are being sold at exorbitant prices.

According to vendors, lemon juice is a popular choice for iftar among people of all economic backgrounds. However, the supply is failing to meet demand, causing prices to surge significantly.

Market observations indicate that just one to two weeks ago, a medium-sized batch of four lemons was priced at 15-20 BDT. Now, the price has risen to 80 BDT. Larger lemons, which previously cost 30-50 BDT per batch, are now being sold for 100-150 BDT.

Al-Amin, a vegetable vendor from Rikabibazar, reported that lemon stocks are depleting quickly. He had brought 100 lemons in the evening, and only one batch remains. He added that wholesale prices have risen sharply, impacting retail prices.

Mobile vegetable vendor Md. Aslam from Bandarbazar stated that this is not the lemon season, resulting in limited supply. Despite high demand, many buyers are unable to find lemons, which has driven the prices up.

Several buyers expressed their concerns, noting that while vegetable supplies are relatively stable this Ramadan, lemon prices are disproportionately high. They believe local authorities could help stabilize prices with better monitoring.