Tomato Price Increases to Rs400/kilo in Karachi

The price of tomato has increased to Rs 400 per kilogram on Tuesday. The wholesale price of tomatoes is around Rs 200, but retailers and other local vendors are selling it for Rs 250-300. Till Monday it was about Rs 300, which was a record-breaking price in Pakistan’s history. Local administration has again quoted a price of Rs 253 as of today which is again quite unrealistic.

The government has imported tonnes of tomatoes from Iran in order to control the skyrocketing prices. Wholesalers have said that they have not received an ample amount hence the hike in price remains as it is. A rise in price has been seen since the first week of November as price per kg was Rs 117. It seems as if the imported tomatoes did not make much of a difference. The delay in arrival has made it worse.

People have stopped buying tomatoes due to high prices. Many are purchasing only if there’s dire need and the rest have found substitutes. In Pakistan, we consider tomato a staple as we use it in almost every dish.

Patron-in-Chief All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers, and Merchants Association (PFVA) Waheed Ahmed has claimed that only 989 tons out of the 4,500 tons have arrived so far.

“Out of these 989 tons, only two containers carrying 44 tons imported tomatoes had reached in Karachi Wholesale Mandi,” he added.

Authorities have assured the citizens that it’s a seasonal shortage. In this season, Balochistan’s tomato supply ends and Sindh’s crop takes a few additional weeks to grow. This would be over in a couple of days when Iran’s tomato supply reaches Pakistan.

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