With just a day remaining before Ramadan begins, lemon prices in the capital's kitchen markets have skyrocketed, frustrating consumers.

The retail prices of four lemons (one hali in Bangla) at Karwan Bazar kitchen market were between Tk 40 and Tk 120 yesterday, depending on the size and quality.

Four small-sized lemons were sold for Tk 40, up from Tk 20 a week ago, and medium-sized ones were at Tk 60, previously Tk 30.

Large lemons were available at prices ranging from Tk 80 to Tk 120 for four pieces. A week ago, the prices were between Tk 60 and Tk 80.

Md Nazir, a regular shopper, was surprised to find that four lemons cost Tk 120, up from Tk 70 just a week ago.

"How can the price increase so drastically in just seven days?" he questioned.

Several other buyers shared similar frustrations.

Fazol Haque, who has been trading lemons and green chillies at Karwan Bazar kitchen market for 35 years, said that he had never seen such high prices of lemons. "The lemon price rises at the beginning of every Ramadan, but this hike is unprecedented."

Wholesaler Abul Kalam explained that the usual daily supply of lemons in the Karwan Bazar kitchen market is seven to eight lakh, but it has now dropped to four to five lakh.

"Usually demand for lemons increases during Ramadan, but its supply has dropped this time."

Kalam pointed out low rainfall as a factor behind reduced lemon yield. "The supply is already low, and some traders are stocking the sour fruit to inflate prices further."

Wholesale lemon prices have almost doubled, with four pieces of this sour fruit now selling at Tk 80-100, he said.

Interestingly, just a couple of months ago, lemon prices were at their lowest in years. The wholesale price went down to Tk 5-6 for four pieces of small and medium-seized lemons, said Kalam.