Tomato Prices Skyrocket, Squeezing Household Budgets
Tomato Price Hike: Over the past few days, tomato prices have suddenly skyrocketed again. Now people are left wondering about the tomato price. Rain and changing weather have disrupted supply, directly impacting the pockets of ordinary consumers. Prices have doubled in many cities, increasing kitchen expenses. From major producing states like Maharashtra to major markets like Delhi, tomato prices are rising everywhere.
On top of that, increased demand during the wedding season has further increased prices. Currently, people are buying as little as they need and hoping for the market to return to normal in the coming days.
Retail Prices and State-wise Situation: According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the average retail price of tomatoes across India increased from ₹36 to ₹46 per kg between October 19 and November 19. Chandigarh saw a 112% increase, while Karnataka, Himachal, and Andhra Pradesh saw monthly increases of over 40%. In some places, good quality tomatoes are selling for up to ₹80 per kg.
Demand increased during the wedding and festive season, but heavy rains severely affected supply. The number of trucks arriving at Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat was halved. Farmers’ crops were damaged by the rain, further exacerbating the supply crisis.
