KARACHI: Tomato prices have hit record levels in many cities, including Karachi, where the retail rate has crossed Rs500 per kilogram. Wholesalers say retailers are charging more than twice the wholesale price, which stands between Rs250 and Rs300 per kg.
According to a newspaper report, the sharp increase has forced many people to buy only small quantities, often just 250 grams, to manage daily meals.
According to Haji Shahjehan, President of the Falahi Anjuman Wholesale Vegetable Market Super Highway, the shortage of tomatoes in the wholesale market is the main cause of the hike.
He said the tomato crop in Balochistan is almost over, while the arrival of tomatoes from Iran has declined. Tense border conditions with Afghanistan have also affected tomato supply from across the border. Fresh supplies from Sindh are expected next month.
Shahjehan added that the absence of official price lists allows retailers to set rates on their own, leading to huge price differences. Other vegetables, including peas, ridge gourd, and ginger, have also become expensive, rising by Rs50-100 per kg.
Tomato Rates Surge Nationwide
Across Pakistan, tomato prices have soared to record highs. In Karachi, tomatoes are now more expensive than chicken meat, selling between Rs500 and Rs700 per kg in different areas, despite the official rate being Rs322 per kg. In Federal B Area, tomatoes are priced at Rs650 per kg, while in Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Burns Road, they are selling for Rs700 per kg.
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In Sindh’s Shaheed Benazirabad district, tomato prices in Sakrand tehsil have reached Rs600 per kg — the highest this year — causing serious concern among citizens. In Faisalabad, poor market checks have allowed traders to charge high rates, with peas and tomatoes selling for Rs500 per kg.
In Peshawar, vegetable prices have shot up sharply. Tomatoes have crossed Rs400 per kg, while onions have reached Rs100 per kg. Other vegetables such as okra, tinda, pumpkin, and ridge gourd are selling above Rs150 per kg.
In Quetta, tomatoes are being sold at Rs300 per kg, and peas have reached Rs400 per kg, with prices of other vegetables also seeing a significant increase.
Poultry Prices Fall
While vegetable prices have soared, poultry prices have dropped, offering some relief to consumers. The average national price of live chicken has fallen to Rs300-390 per kg, down from Rs440-540 in September. Similarly, boneless chicken prices have come down from Rs1,000-1,100 to Rs650-800 per kg.
Sindh Poultry Wholesalers Association General Secretary Kamal Akhtar Siddiqui said the fall was due to overproduction. With border closures stopping exports of birds and eggs to Afghanistan, farmers are selling extra stock at lower rates.
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In some areas, live chicken is available for Rs400 per kg, and leg pieces for around Rs350. However, egg prices remain high at Rs310-360 per dozen because of increased demand after schools reopened.
Pulses Stay Expensive
Despite falling global rates, the prices of pulses in Pakistan have not changed much. Masoor, mung, mash, and gram pulses are still selling at Rs250-300, Rs320-500, Rs380-530, and Rs250-380 per kg respectively.
Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association President Rauf Ibrahim said that even though international prices of pulses like black gram, arhar, and masoor have dropped sharply, retailers have not passed on the benefit to consumers. He urged the government to ensure that lower wholesale rates reach the public.
Globally, prices of black gram have fallen from $650 to $460 per tonne, arhar from $1,000 to $500, and masoor from $660 to $460 per tonne. Kabuli channa has also seen a decline from $750-800 to $650 per tonne. Ibrahim said more shipments from Burma, Australia, and Tanzania could further bring down prices next month.
Sugar Market Stable
Sugar prices have remained steady at Rs177-200 per kg, though concerns have been raised by the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA). The PSMA recently met with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over the suspension of sugar sales through the S-Track Portal. The association warned that if the issue continues, a shortage could occur, pushing prices higher.
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PSMA officials claim that the FBR’s actions favor imported sugar and make it harder to sell locally produced sugar, which could destabilize the market. They stressed that the sugar industry should not be blamed if prices rise due to these administrative hurdles.
Market Instability Hurts Consumers
The Karachi food market continues to face unstable prices, making it difficult for consumers to manage their household budgets. Retailers are being criticised for overcharging, as no fixed price lists are being enforced. While some wholesale prices have eased slightly, most daily-use items remain costly for the public.
