MARGAO
The humble lime, the go-to thirst-quenching citrus fruit, has turned dearer a month before summer arrives.
Moreover, with the Urak season expected to commence in March, there are concerns that prices may escalate even further to unprecedented levels.
A single lime is now priced at Rs 10 in the retail market, leaving local juice vendors apprehensive about the upcoming summer months of March, April, and May.
Due to reported disruptions in lime production caused by rains in areas such as Bijapur, Hubli, and other regions of neighbouring Karnataka, prices of this popular fruit have surged in the Goan market as well.
Both wholesalers and retailers of lime have noted that it is not unusual for prices to skyrocket during the summer months, starting from March, due to high demand and limited supply. However, they hasten to add that this is possibly the first time in recent years that prices have soared in February itself, indicating a worrisome trend for the forthcoming season.
Shailesh Parab, owner of a juice stall opposite the Margao police station, said, "In the wholesale fish market, 100 limes are available for Rs 600. In retail, a lime fetches Rs 10. Lime-soda stalls sell the refreshing drink for Rs 30. We may need to reconsider our pricing or consider closing down. We cannot keep increasing prices indefinitely. Prices may further rise to Rs 12-15 per lime in the near future."
Similarly, a wholesale lime vendor in Margao's Gandhi market expressed similar sentiments, stating, "We have been informed that lime production has been impacted by rain, disrupting the supply. Let's wait and see how the situation unfolds in the coming days."
