Eid Approaching: Tomato prices up by more than 150 per cent

RAWALPINDI: Tomatoes prices have increased by more than 150 per cent in the market during the last one week, bringing its rate from Rs30-40 to Rs100-120 per kilogram. As Eidul Azha is setting in, the price of tomatoes is likely to increase with each passing day as its consumption increases during Eid days. Tomatoes are used in a variety of food products and are considered an important ingredient for home-made dishes. They were previously available in the retail market at Rs30-40 per kg till last week. The authorities concerned remained entirely unconcerned about the sudden price hike and instead continued giving a free hand to the traders to fix the prices on their own. A vegetable vendor Nazir Khan said that now tomatoes are only coming from Balochistan and it is the law and order situation in the province and lack of availability of transport during last week’s election activities that has caused the sharp increase in prices.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2018.