The Price Control Department has confirmed that the recent surge in tomato prices across Pakistan is mainly due to a supply shortage caused by heavy rains and delays in imports.
According to official reports, continuous rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa damaged a large portion of tomato crops, reducing the overall supply in local markets. The department stated that this disruption has temporarily driven up tomato prices, which have seen a sharp increase in several major cities.
A spokesperson for the Price Control and Consumer Management Department (PC&CMD) said that the situation was worsened by delays in tomato imports from Afghanistan and Iran. These delays have put additional pressure on local supply chains, limiting the availability of fresh tomatoes in wholesale and retail markets.
Officials added that the rise in tomato prices is primarily seasonal. Factors such as rainfall, damaged crops, and transportation difficulties have combined to create a short-term spike. However, authorities have assured consumers that prices are likely to stabilize soon.
“The current increase is temporary and expected to ease by next week as fresh supplies arrive,” the department stated. It further noted that the upcoming harvest from Sindh in November and from Punjab in April and May will help ensure a consistent supply in the months ahead.
The department also advised traders to avoid hoarding and urged the public to remain patient, emphasizing that the government is closely monitoring the situation to prevent price manipulation.
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Experts believe that better weather conditions and improved cross-border trade will soon help normalize market rates, bringing much-needed relief to consumers facing high tomato prices nationwide.
