Tomato prices skyrocket in Indore, Bhopal amid supply crunch

Indore(Team Newsbuddy) : Tomato prices in Indore and Bhopal have surged to over Rs 120 per kilogram in retail markets, driven by a supply shortage caused by heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh, which has damaged local crops. According to traders at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Choithram Mandi, tomatoes, primarily sourced from Maharashtra, are seeing sharp increases in wholesale rates, currently ranging between Rs 60 and Rs 80 per kilogram. Just weeks ago, prices hovered around Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kilogram.

One trader explained, “High-quality tomatoes from Maharashtra are entering the market, but the damage to crops in Madhya Pradesh has resulted in a steep price hike. Retailers are now selling tomatoes for as much as Rs 120 per kilogram.”

Consumers are feeling the pinch, with many reducing their tomato purchases. Retailers reported that households previously buying 2 kilograms are now cutting back to just half a kilogram.

The situation is compounded by a spike in onion prices, which have risen from Rs 15 per kilogram to Rs 40 in wholesale markets, reaching as much as Rs 60 to Rs 80 in retail outlets.

With the festive season in full swing, these price hikes are raising concerns among retailers about a drop in consumer spending. Experts warn that if crop conditions in Madhya Pradesh do not improve, tomato prices could continue to rise in the coming weeks.