Relief for Consumers as Tomato Prices Decrease Across Karachi Markets

Tomato prices in Karachi have declined significantly after soaring to record highs last week, when rates had reached Rs 500 per kilogram. Fresh shipments from Iran have helped ease the shortage and stabilize the local market, bringing prices down to around Rs 350 per kilogram, according to a report by Geo News.

The earlier surge was attributed to the end of Pakistan’s local tomato harvest, which left markets with limited supply and pushed prices sharply upward. For several weeks, consumers struggled with inflated rates as traders faced disruptions in domestic production and inconsistent imports from neighboring countries.

While Karachi has seen some relief, prices in other major cities remain elevated. In Lahore and Peshawar, tomatoes are still selling between Rs 400 and Rs 500 per kilogram, whereas Quetta has seen a slight decline to Rs 350. Markets in Wana and Hub continue to report higher prices, ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 500.

Traders explained that the earlier hike stemmed from delays in domestic crop cycles and irregular cross-border trade with Iran and Afghanistan. The recent influx of Iranian tomatoes has improved supply in Karachi and surrounding regions, leading to a gradual correction in rates.

However, market analysts caution that the situation remains fragile. Unstable foreign supply routes and rising transportation expenses could trigger another round of price increases if import flows are disrupted in the coming weeks.