Imported tomato shipments from Iran have failed to stabilize Karachi’s vegetable market, leaving consumers to pay record-high prices for both local and imported produce.
Tomato prices in Karachi have surged to as high as Rs 500 per kilogram, placing additional pressure on household budgets despite the arrival of imported consignments from Iran.
According to media reports, retailers across the city are selling tomatoes imported from Iran, along with supplies from Quetta, for between Rs 450 and Rs 500 per kilogram. Even lower-quality, smaller-sized, or under-ripe tomatoes are being offered at around Rs 400 per kilogram, providing little relief for consumers.
The continued price spike suggests that increased imports have not been sufficient to stabilize the market. Vendors say demand remains strong while supplies of quality tomatoes are still limited, keeping retail prices elevated.
Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in Pakistani households, making sharp price increases particularly challenging for families already coping with rising food inflation. Consumers have expressed concern over the sustained increase, noting that the cost of everyday vegetables continues to strain monthly budgets.
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