Tomato Prices Cross Rs 500 Amid Inflation Rise

KARACHI – Consumers across Pakistan are grappling with soaring food prices as the cost of vegetables, especially tomatoes, reaches record highs. In several districts, tomato prices have exceeded Rs.500 per kilogram — a rate higher than chicken meat, which is being sold for Rs.450–Rs.500 per kilogram.

In cities like Karachi, tomatoes are now priced between Rs.450 and Rs.550 per kg. Similarly, in districts such as Badin, Jamshoro, Mirpur Khas, and Turbat, tomatoes are being sold for around Rs.450 per kg.

Alongside tomatoes, the prices of onions, potatoes, green chilies, lady fingers (okra), taro roots, ginger, and garlic have also witnessed sharp increases. The continuous surge in prices is straining household budgets and intensifying inflationary pressure on consumers.

Vegetable traders cite supply chain issues as a major reason behind the spike. According to market sources, around 90% of Karachi’s tomato demand is currently being met through imports from Iran. The suspension of tomato imports from Afghanistan and delays in Sindh’s local crop reaching markets have further worsened the shortage.

Meanwhile, official inflation figures reflect this trend. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a 5.6% increase in core inflation for September 2025 — nearly double the 3.0% rise observed in August. The overall inflation rate rose by 2.6% in September compared to a 0.6% decrease the previous month, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Urban areas recorded a 5.5% rise in inflation, while rural regions experienced a 5.8% increase year-on-year. Food prices alone jumped by 4.4%, while non-food items rose by 6%, according to the CPI data.

The Ministry of Finance had earlier projected a price hike between 3.5% to 4.5% for September, but actual figures have exceeded expectations. From July to September 2025, prices rose by an average of 4.22%, highlighting the growing cost-of-living crisis in the country.

As inflation continues to climb, consumers and small retailers are urging authorities to take urgent steps to stabilize prices and improve supply chains for essential goods.

Read More: Tomato Prices Surge in Pakistan Amid Inflation Rise

Tomato prices in Islamabad have surged to Rs380 per kilogram, highlighting the failure of government price controls. Other cities also faced high tomato rates: Rs360 in Rawalpindi, Rs350 in Faisalabad, and Rs340 in Lahore. Prices reached Rs320 in Gujranwala and Sialkot, affecting many households. This price hike comes as inflation continues to rise across Pakistan.

The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) rose by 0.56% in the week ending October 2, 2025, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The SPI now stands at 332.17 points, up from 330.32 the previous week. On a yearly basis, inflation increased by 4.07%, indicating ongoing price pressures. The SPI measures price changes for 51 essential items in 17 urban centers.