Pathanamthitta: Lemon prices have surged sharply, reaching ₹270 per kilogram on Monday. Retail shops are charging around ₹70 for a quarter kilogram.

Just a month ago, prices were below ₹100 per kg.

Prices, which stood at ₹180 on the eve of Vishu, climbed to ₹200 within a week and have continued to rise. With the cost of small lemons soaring, consumers are beginning to feel the pinch, especially those looking to cool off with lemon water during the summer heat. The price of a glass of lemon water has increased from ₹20 to ₹25 in many places.

Vendors have started cutting a single lemon to prepare two glasses of the drink, reflecting the impact of rising costs. Most lemons are sourced from Tamil Nadu, and the ongoing heatwave has driven up demand, particularly at beverage stalls where lemon water remains a popular choice.

Traders attribute the price rise to a combination of reduced production and increased demand during the intense summer season.

Traders in both wholesale and retail markets also say the price increase is largely due to lower supplies from Karnataka, the region's another primary source of lemons. With fewer shipments arriving, availability in local markets has become even more limited.

The impact is also evident among beverage vendors. Juice stalls and roadside sellers continue to see strong demand, even as prices climb. Lemon water, in particular, remains a top choice during the summer, adding further pressure on supply.