The retail price of tomatoes in India has sharply risen to ₹80 per kg in select markets, primarily attributed to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh, a key vegetable supplier to North India, has seen its road network suffer significant damage from the recent rains, limiting supplies to major consumption centers.
According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry’s price monitoring division, the average retail price of tomatoes climbed from ₹35 per kg a month ago to ₹55 per kg as of July 3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy rainfall in tomato-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh until July 7, with potential risks of landslides and mudslides likely to further disrupt transportation routes and traffic flow. These weather conditions are expected to exacerbate the ongoing price hikes.
The sudden surge in tomato prices has sparked concern among consumers and traders alike, given tomatoes’ integral role in Indian cuisine. A potential shortage could disrupt daily meal preparations across households nationwide. Authorities have not yet issued any statements or proposed solutions to alleviate the situation.
Last year, similar weather disruptions saw tomato prices exceed ₹350 per kg in certain retail markets. This prompted multinational fast-food chain McDonald’s to temporarily halt tomato usage in some Indian outlets, citing inadequate supply meeting their quality standards due to adverse weather conditions.
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