🍅 Tomato Crisis Deepens Across Pakistan! Floods, trade disruptions, and inflation push prices to record-breaking levels.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is witnessing a record-breaking surge in tomato prices, as rates soar across major cities, turning a basic kitchen staple into one of the most expensive household essentials. What once cost Rs100 per kilogram is now being sold for as much as Rs700, intensifying the financial strain on already burdened consumers.

Jhelum and Gujranwala Face Steepest Increases

In Jhelum, the inflation storm has reached new heights, with tomato prices hitting Rs700 per kg, up from just Rs100 a few weeks ago. Residents say the relentless price hike has made daily cooking increasingly difficult, forcing many families to cut back on tomato use.

In nearby Gujranwala, tomatoes are selling for Rs575 per kg, a jump largely attributed to flood-related damage and dwindling supply. Shopkeepers report that wholesalers have raised rates sharply, leaving retailers and consumers with little choice but to bear the impact.

Faisalabad and Multan Struggle With Shortages

The situation in Faisalabad is no different — prices have surged from Rs160 to Rs500 per kg, leaving citizens frustrated. Local traders blame crop destruction and transport disruptions caused by the floods for the steep rise.

In Multan, despite the government’s official rate list capping tomato prices at Rs170 per kg, the fruit is being sold for Rs450 in most markets. Vendors argue that the government’s listed prices are “unrealistic” given the inflated wholesale market rates.

Lahore Markets Overrun by Inflation

In Lahore, tomato prices have crossed Rs400 per kg, far above the government-fixed rate of Rs175. Shoppers have called on authorities to enforce strict market controls, claiming that unchecked profiteering is worsening the crisis.

“Prices of all essentials — from meat and pulses to vegetables — have become unbearable. The government must step in immediately,” said one frustrated consumer.

Retailers, however, claim that the low availability of tomatoes leaves them with no option but to buy at higher rates.

Quetta Residents Hit Hard

In Quetta, the price of tomatoes now ranges between Rs300 and Rs350 per kg, making them unaffordable for many families. Citizens say they often return home empty-handed as their purchasing power continues to shrink.

Vendors confirm that their sales have plummeted as customers cut back. “People can’t afford these prices. Our business is suffering badly,” said one shopkeeper. Residents are urging local authorities to reactivate price control committees to curb hoarding and bring relief to the public.

Peshawar Feels Impact of Trade Disruptions

In Peshawar, tomato prices have climbed to Rs450 per kg, despite an official rate of Rs320. Traders say the closure of trade routes with Afghanistan has disrupted normal supply lines.

“Iranian tomatoes are entering the market, but the Afghan border shutdown has caused severe shortages,” said a local trader. As a result, government-issued rate lists have become meaningless in the face of market realities.

Floods and Trade Barriers Fuel Price Hike

Experts say the nationwide price surge is driven by a combination of flood-related crop destruction, transport challenges, and trade disruptions. The ongoing closure of cross-border routes has particularly affected the flow of imported vegetables.

Analysts warn that if the government fails to intervene soon, the situation could worsen in the coming weeks — adding further pressure to households already struggling with historic inflation.