The Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade of Iran has banned the export of limes, lemons and rubber band used in making masks to meet the surge in demand following the outbreak of coronavirus. 

More than 5,000 tons of limes will be imported into the country by May 4 to reduce the prices of the allegedly coronavirus-fighting fruit in Iran’s domestic market. 

According to Mohammad Reza Kalaami, the spokesperson of Market Regulation Headquarters, this agricultural product has now been included in the list of items subject to Anti-Hoarding Law, their storage will bring penalty for hoarders, their stash will be seized and up to 30% of which will be distributed at municipalities’ fruit and vegetable markets at cheaper prices set by the government. 

“A total of 600,000 tons of limes are produced in the country annually. Presently, the ban on exports won’t hurt farmers because the harvest season of the fruit is the first two months of summer; the market is now being manipulated by the middlemen,” he was quoted as saying by IRNA. 

Source: Financial Tribune – 27^th April 2020

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