Rs 140/Kg And Upwards: Tomato Prices Skyrocket. What's Driving The Cost

New Delhi: The price of tomatoes has soared to unprecedented levels across various cities due to supply chain disruptions caused by heavy monsoon rains. Consumers are feeling the pinch as food inflation continues to rise, with many spending a significant portion of their weekly budget on vegetables.

Tomato Prices Surge in Major Cities

• Delhi and Noida - Tomatoes are selling at Rs 140 per kilogram.
• Chandigarh - Prices have jumped to Rs 70 per kilogram amid monsoon-induced shortages.
• Chennai (Koyambedu Market) - Tomatoes are priced at Rs 120 per kilogram, alongside other costly vegetables like lady finger (Rs 100/kg), coriander (Rs 300/kg), and lemon (Rs 200/kg).

Wholesale Market Impact in Delhi

The rates of tomatoes have also gone up in the major wholesale vegetable markets of Delhi, including Azadpur Mandi, Ghazipur Mandi, and Okhla Sabzi Mandi. Sanjay Bhagat, a wholesale vegetable vendor in Azadpur Mandi, explained, "The rates have soared up to Rs 50 per kilogram even in wholesale markets due to the rains. This is because the supply of tomatoes has decreased in the past week. The number of trucks that used to ferry these farm produce from states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Himachal have gone down because of heavy rains affecting transportation."

Local Consumer Reactions

Several residents in Delhi have expressed disappointment over the rising prices of tomatoes in their local markets and online retail platforms. A local resident from Laxmi Nagar stated, "Just a few days back, we bought tomatoes for Rs 28 per kilogram, but now it is selling for Rs 90 per kilogram online and in the local market. Vegetables have become costlier."

Middle-Class Feel the Pinch

A recent survey conducted by LocalCircles, a community social media platform, highlights the growing financial burden on consumers:

• Increased Spending - Six out of ten respondents reported spending 50% or more on vegetables each week compared to previous months.
• High Tomato Prices - Nearly 71% of consumers surveyed confirmed paying Rs 50 per kilogram or more for tomatoes, with 18% indicating they paid over Rs 100 per kilogram.

Monsoon Disruptions Affect Supply Chain

The significant price hikes are attributed to monsoon rains damaging the supply chain, making it challenging for vendors to procure and distribute tomatoes and other vegetables. This has led to increased prices across markets in major cities.