Lychee Prices Scorching The Fruit’s Enthusiasts in Vizag

visakhapatnam: Lychee, the summer fruit rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and dietary fibre, has reached the Vizag markets. However, their prices shock consumers.

Currently, fresh lychees sell for up to ₹500 per kg, making them one of the most expensive fruits of the season. Families who want to offer fruit to their children are especially affected by these high prices.

R. Sravani, a resident of MVP Colony, said, “I wanted to buy lychee for my children. But the prices are hotter than the summer sun.”

Sellers attribute the high costs to the long journey the fruit takes before reaching Vizag. Lychee seller S. Prasad explained that the fruit comes from Bihar. It is transported via Bengal and Hyderabad before finally arriving in Vizag. Combined transportation costs, along with increased demand, contributed to high market prices.

Prasad pointed out that the freshness of the fruit significantly affects pricing. While freshly harvested lychees go for around ₹500 per kg, slightly wilted ones can be had for around ₹350 per kg.

Due to the fruit’s short shelf life and seasonal unavailability, traders say demand often exceeds supply.

“Despite its high cost, lychee remains a popular treat among Vizag residents. They enjoy the fruit as a refreshing escape from the sweltering summer heat. But for many households, rising lychee prices have turned the seasonal treat into a luxury item,” said KP Rao, a wholesale trader from Poorna Market.