Juice shops making most of LPG shortage in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Summer has gone wrong in Kerala with temperatures touching new heights. Nannari sharbat and watermelon juice have occupied the top list among Malayalees this summer. With LPG crisis forcing most tea shops to shut down temporarily, people have flooded towards fruit juice stalls. However, the prices of juices have gone up.

The most in demand are shakes and Sharjah. Prices start at Rs. 50. Mango, apple, papaya, and Karikku shakes are favourites. Avil Milk is another star in the list. Prices range from Rs. 40 to Rs. 70. Fruit sorbet starts at Rs. 40. Carrot, beetroot, gooseberry, pawpaw, cucumber, and mixed vegetable juices are also in high demand. Kannur cocktail starts at Rs. 80. Karikku starts at Rs. 50.

With the outbreak of war in the Middle East, the arrival of apples decreased due to the reduction in air services. With this, the price has also increased. Apples mainly come from the USA, Iran, Poland, Italy and Turkey. The price of first-quality apples is up to Rs 360. Indian apples are not available. Seedless black grapes are priced at Rs 200. Green grapes are priced at Rs 140-160. Pomegranates are priced at Rs 200-240. Pineapples from Kerala are available due to the suspension of exports. Pineapples, which used to cost up to Rs 65 per kg, are now being sold for Rs 25-50.

The watermelons that were sold on the roadside are also in short supply. Traders say that the season is almost over, so the shortage. The price of a normal watermelon ranges from Rs 17 to Rs 20.