Tomato prices hit Rs500 per kilo mark

Prices of tomatoes have surged to Rs500 per kilogram in the local retail market in Peshawar, probably due to restricted supplies during Eidul Fitr.

Despite the fact that prices usually fall due to decreased demand after the holy month ends, rates of tomatoes have risen considerably in the city.

Although no one knows the exact cause, retailers are of the view that its restricted supply due to the Eid holidays is the main reason.

“During the Eid holidays, although wholesale markets are not closed, people, including farmers, do not bring their produce to markets for sale which results in an artificial shortage of vegetables and fruits,” said a shopkeeper while talking to The Express Tribune.

Normally, he said, potatoes and some other vegetables were stored by wholesale dealers but tomatoes had a very limited shelf life and couldn’t be stored without cold storage.

He said he hoped the price hike was temporary.

Despite tall claims, the provincial and district governments had failed to control prices of vegetables and fruits as well as other commodities during Ramazan despite frequent raids and inspections.

During Eidul Fitr, however, the raids had been stopped due to official holidays.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2024.