Consumers over the past month have witnessed an unusual surge in the prices of tomatoes and onions
KARACHI: Consumers over the past month have witnessed an unusual surge in the prices of tomatoes and onions, which are being sold for Rs180-200/kg — twice the normal prices. However, the prices were expected and should have dropped down to their normal level after Eidul Azha, as usually the demand for the two drops considerably.
On the other hand, tomatoes and onions are not only grown locally but are also imported from neighbouring countries like India and Iran. Given the otherwise ample supply, the sudden yet prolonged price hike is questionable. It is probably because many vendors hold back supply until there is a surge in demand to exploit it. Therefore, it is important that the provincial governments not only issue directives to the authorities concerned but also ensure that prices are not being inflated through stock hoarding by suppliers.
Kulsoom Mahmood
Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2017.
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