Lemon Prices Soar on Ramadan’s First Day

As the holy month of Ramadan commenced this Thursday, consumers in Dhaka and beyond were met with an unexpected shock: the price of lemons has surged dramatically, leaving many comparing the citrus fruit to gold.

On social media, numerous posts read, “How much for a hali of lemons?” — reflecting widespread astonishment at the skyrocketing costs. Traditionally, lemon juice, mixed with sugar or jaggery, is a popular beverage for iftar, and the first day of fasting saw demand spike, driving prices sharply upward.

In Dhaka’s bustling Karwan Bazar, lemons were reportedly sold for as much as BDT 200 per hali (approx. 1.5 kg). Harun Mia, who has supplied lemons from Tangail and Sylhet to Karwan Bazar for years, explained that the market currently offers three quality categories:

Fazal Haque, a Karwan Bazar seller of 42 years, added, “Small paper-thin lemons now fetch BDT 60–80. The Colombo variety, rounder and slightly cheaper, is sourced from Dhamrai. I’ve sold them for BDT 100 per hali.”

Outside Dhaka, prices have similarly escalated. In Rajshahi’s Saheb Bazar, lemons that sold for BDT 20–25 per hali just days ago are now priced at BDT 50–60. Shariatpur markets report a doubling or even tripling of prices compared with last month. Retailers and wholesalers attribute this partly to seasonal scarcity — the main lemon season is during the monsoon — and partly to the heightened demand during Ramadan.

Shariatpur resident Sabuj Talukdar lamented, “I bought one hali for BDT 90. Not everyone can afford this. Authorities should monitor the markets more effectively.” Another shopper, Khobir Hossain Khan, noted, “A few days ago, this size cost BDT 40 per hali. Today, it is nearly double.”

Karwan Bazar vendors confirmed the disparity between wholesale and retail prices. While 100 Colombo lemons wholesale at BDT 1000–1200, retail prices reach BDT 150–200, effectively doubling.

Jannatul Ferdous, Assistant Director of Consumer Rights in Shariatpur, acknowledged the price surge, stating, “During Ramadan, increased demand drives up prices. Unscrupulous traders exploit this. We act on complaints and conduct regular raids, but manpower shortages limit our coverage.”

For many, the steep rise in lemon prices has turned a simple beverage ingredient into a luxury item, highlighting the ongoing challenge of market regulation during peak festive seasons.