In a shocking turn for consumers, the price of tomato in Pakistan has exploded, crossing an unprecedented Rs. 600 per kilogram in several cities. This means a key ingredient for daily cooking has now become more expensive than chicken, putting immense pressure on household budgets.
The sudden surge is primarily due to a major shortage in local supply. The arrival of new crops from Sindh has been delayed, and supplies from Punjab are limited. This has created a perfect storm in the market.PAKISTAN LEADS GLOBAL RATES OF COUSIN MARRIAGES AT OVER 61%
Traders point to two additional critical factors. Pakistan has become heavily reliant on imports from Iran, and supplies from Afghanistan have been suspended, worsening the supply gap. The crisis isn’t limited to just tomatoes. Prices of other essential kitchen items like onions, potatoes, chilies, ginger, and garlic have also seen a significant jump, intensifying the inflationary burden on families already struggling with high costs.
City-wise Price Snapshot:
- Various Cities: Over Rs. 600 per kg
- Karachi: Rs. 450 to Rs. 550 per kg
- Badin, Jamshoro, Mirpur Khas: Around Rs. 450 per kg
This situation highlights the fragility of the agricultural supply chain and its direct impact on the cost of living for millions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are tomato prices so high right now?
The main reasons are limited local supplies from Punjab, a delay in the new harvest from Sindh reaching the markets, and a suspension of imports from Afghanistan, increasing reliance on Iranian imports.
2. How much are tomatoes costing?
Prices have surpassed Rs. 600 per kg in some cities. In Karachi, they are being sold between Rs. 450 and Rs. 550 per kg.
3. Is it true tomatoes are costlier than chicken?
Yes. With chicken prices generally lower, tomatoes have indeed become a more expensive commodity per kilogram in many markets.
4. Are other vegetables also getting expensive?
Yes. The prices of onions, potatoes, chilies, ginger, and garlic have also surged, adding to the overall food inflation.
5. When can we expect prices to come down?
Prices are expected to stabilize once the delayed harvest from Sindh fully arrives in the markets, which should improve the supply. However, this depends on smooth transportation and distribution.
