Tomato prices have soared across Karachi, Islamabad, and other parts of the country, reaching up to Rs550 per kg and adding to consumers’ financial strain.
Retailers are reportedly charging more than double the wholesale rate of Rs250–Rs300 per kg, despite the district administration’s official price list capping tomatoes at Rs170 per kg.
The sharp increase has forced many buyers to cut back on purchases or switch to cheaper substitutes like tomato paste or yoghurt.
Vendors said demand has dropped due to the surge, while traders blamed the shortage on declining supplies from Balochistan, reduced imports from Iran, and border closures with Afghanistan. They expect relief once Sindh’s tomato crop hits markets next month.
Meanwhile, prices of other vegetables such as peas, zucchini, and ginger have also risen by Rs50–Rs100 per kg.