Tomato prices in local markets of the city have shot up to Rs220-250 per kg while prices of other vegetables have also increased considerably. According to official rates as of Wednesday, the price of tomatoes was Rs180 per kg but its price has touched Rs250 in retail markets. Similarly, onions were being sold at Rs120 per kg in markets while its official price was Rs80 per kg.
Prices of capsicum have also skyrocketed over the past few days as it is being sold at Rs300 per kg whereas the government rate of capsicum is Rs225 per kg. Similarly, the price of green chili has also increased to Rs300 per kg in open markets whereas its official rate was Rs148 per kg.
One consumer told: “Prices of vegetables have gone so high that you have to think twice before buying them. Price control committees have proven worthless and inefficient: they are just doing formal work by checking the price lists but have no real control over shopkeepers who have increased the prices.”
“The new crop of tomato from Sindh will come in the market within a month and the price will come down again. The price hike has also affected the sale of tomatoes because those who were purchasing 1 or 2kg tomatoes are now buying the only 250 to 500 grams,” said a vegetable seller from Gulberg.
[ Rs100 = €0.58 ]
