LAHORE – Inflation-weary citizens are facing yet another blow as tomato prices have soared to an unprecedented Rs500 per kilogram in parts of the country, deepening the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
In Lahore, wholesale markets are witnessing a sharp spike, with tomato supplies reportedly dropping by nearly 50%, sending retail prices skyrocketing. Traders say supply shortages from key producing areas have caused the dramatic price jump.
In Rawalpindi, official rates stand between Rs130 and Rs175 per kg, but tomatoes are selling for as high as Rs450 per kg in open markets. Shopkeepers insist they are being forced to raise prices due to high wholesale costs.
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In Peshawar, the situation is no better. Despite an official price cap of Rs330 per kg, tomatoes are retailing between Rs400 and Rs450 per kg, creating further frustration among consumers already grappling with record inflation.
Meanwhile, in Quetta, tomatoes that were once sold for Rs50–80 per kg are now priced at up to Rs350 per kg. Residents lament that inflation has already “broken their backs,” and the tomato crisis has made daily life even harder.
Economists warn that the surge in essential food prices, particularly perishable goods like tomatoes, signals deepening market instability amid weak supply chains and rising transport costs.