Tamatar (Tomatoes) Price Crises in Pakistan

Pakistan is currently facing a severe tomato price crisis, causing frustration among consumers and raising questions about market regulation and supply chain management. According to the official rate list issued by the Commissioner Karachi, the price of tomatoes per kilogram is Rs. 253. However, a visit to local markets paints a very different picture — tomatoes are being sold for a shocking Rs. 700 per kg, nearly three times the official rate.

👉 View the official rate list here.

Adding insult to injury, the quality of available tomatoes in the markets is poor, often bruised, overripe, or of inconsistent size. Traders attribute the surge in prices to short supply, transportation challenges, and hoarding by middlemen, while consumers blame weak enforcement of government rate controls.

This situation has hit household budgets hard, especially for low- and middle-income families for whom tomatoes are a daily cooking essential. Experts warn that if price regulation and supply stabilization measures are not implemented immediately, the crisis could extend to other vegetables as well.

The Tamatar crisis has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger oversight, fair trade practices, and transparent pricing mechanisms in Pakistan’s food markets.