Tomato prices rise sharply

ISLAMABAD: The price of tomatoes has reached Rs 400 per kg in the federal capital, Islamabad, while in Karachi it has also started selling for Rs 450 to Rs 500 per kg, due to which the citizens are in serious trouble.

On Sunday, the citizens who went to vegetable markets and bazaars for weekly shopping were surprised by the high prices of tomatoes.

Tomatoes are being sold in various markets in Islamabad for Rs 277 to Rs 400 per kg. Buyers say that the quality of tomatoes available at low prices is not good, while they have to pay Rs 400 per kg to buy quality tomatoes.

According to vegetable sellers, the main reasons for the increase in tomato prices are the closure of the border, shortage of supply and impact on local production. Due to less supply compared to demand, prices are continuously increasing, which is having a direct impact on consumers.

On the other hand, tomato prices have reached a new high in Karachi as well. In various markets, tomatoes from Iran and Quetta are being sold at Rs 450 to 500 per kg, while those from Pakistan are being sold at Rs 110 to 125 per pound.

Citizens say that in this era of inflation, even basic vegetables for daily consumption are becoming out of their reach.

It should be noted that the continuous increase in the prices of vegetables and other food items is putting additional pressure on the household budget of the common man.