Bare necessities: Vegetable rates through the roof yet again

Considerable difference observed in wholesale, retail prices of onions, tomatoes

KARACHI: Despite the decrease in tomato prices at the sabzi mandi, vegetable retailers in different areas are selling it at a profit of Rs40 per kilogramme (kg).

According to the vice-chairperson of the market, the wholesale rate of grade A tomatoes remained between Rs70 and Rs80 per kg, whereas in two days the price went down to between Rs50 and Rs60 per kg.

As per the rate chart issued by the commissioner's office, grade A tomatoes are to be sold at Rs110 per kg, which is Rs30 to Rs40 more expensive than the prices at sabzi mandi. There is an additional charge of Rs10 fixed after which these tomatoes are being sold at Rs120 per kg at retail stores.



Similarly, the price of onions is listed at Rs78 per kg whereas at sabzi mandi they are being sold between Rs60 and Rs65 per kg. However, the market price of onions is Rs86 per kg.

Currently cauliflower, garlic, okra, spinach and pumpkin are also being sold at excessive prices. The sabzi mandi market committee has stated that the fresh seasonal crop for tomatoes and onions has arrived from other parts of Sindh but the prices are not likely to decrease since other countries are facing a shortage.