Tomato prices have surged dramatically across Pakistan, straining household budgets as rates soar far beyond normal market levels.
In Karachi, vendors are selling tomatoes for between Rs. 500 and Rs. 700 per kilogram, despite the government’s official rate of Rs. 322 per kg. Prices hit Rs. 650 in the Federal B Area and up to Rs. 700 in Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Burns Road. In Sindh’s Shaheed Benazirabad district, rates climbed to Rs. 600 per kg in Sakrand tehsil.
Traders in Faisalabad blamed weak market oversight for the spike, noting that vendors have exploited administrative loopholes. In the city, both peas and tomatoes were being sold at around Rs. 500 per kg.
Peshawar markets saw steep increases across vegetables, with tomato prices crossing multiple 100-rupee jumps and onions exceeding Rs. 100 per kg. Quetta remained relatively cheaper, where tomatoes were available for about Rs. 300 per kg.
Also Read Pakistan’s Inflation hits Highest Level in Nine Years
