Tomato prices surge by 50% in 2 weeks—here's why
Tomato prices have jumped nearly 50% in just two weeks across India, mainly because heavy October rains damaged crops and slowed down supply.
Average retail prices went from ₹36 to ₹46 per kilo between October 19 and November 19, with some places seeing even bigger hikes.
Maharashtra and Delhi saw wholesale rates climb sharply too.
What's behind the spike?
Chandigarh tops the list, with tomato prices more than doubling—a whopping 112% jump. Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka also faced steep increases.
The price surge is being blamed on disrupted supply chains from rain-hit regions, plus extra demand for weddings and New Year parties.
In some markets, premium tomatoes are selling for as much as ₹80/kg.
As Ashok Koshik from Delhi's Azadpur Tomato Traders Association explained, the excessive rainfall has inflicted heavy damage on crops in many states.