Kochi: That refreshing glass of lemon juice to beat the summer heat is getting expensive in Kerala. With temperatures rising, lemon prices have shot up sharply, touching Rs 180–200 per kg in retail markets.

The spike is being driven by a simple demand-supply mismatch, high demand during peak summer and limited availability.

Kerala depends heavily on supplies from neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Traders say arrivals have slowed down, and the situation may worsen in the coming days.

With fewer lemons entering the market and demand soaring, prices have surged across cities, including Kochi.

The impact is already visible at the consumer level. Many local shops have increased the price of lemon juice. Street-side nimbu pani is becoming more expensive and households are cutting back or using fewer lemons.

Even small daily habits like a quick lemonade to cool off are now costing more than usual.

Not just lemons, fruits are expensive too

It’s not just lemons putting pressure on wallets. Fruit prices across the board are high.

Traders point to supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Hormuz crisis, which has reduced the inflow of imported fruits like apples, citrus varieties, and kiwi. As a result, prices have surged.

Depending on the variety, apples are now selling for up to Rs 400 per kg in some markets.

The price rise is also expected to impact pickle production, as lemons are a key ingredient. Higher input costs could mean more expensive homemade and store-bought pickles in the coming weeks.