Tomato prices in India have reached unprecedented levels, causing significant financial strain on people across the country. The cost of this essential vegetable has surged to over ₹150 per kg in some cities, surpassing the price of a liter of petrol.
Tomato Prices Surpass Petrol Prices
The exorbitant prices have raised concerns among the public, although the government claims that this surge is a seasonal occurrence and will subside within the next 15 days. However, reports indicate that tomatoes are currently being sold at a staggering ₹160 per kilogram in Visakhapatnam, the highest price in the country.
A closer look at tomato prices in various cities reveals the severity of the issue. Siliguri in Bengal witnesses a price of ₹155 per kilogram, while Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh experiences rates of ₹150. Delhi and Kolkata face prices of ₹110 and ₹148, respectively. Chennai and Mumbai have slightly lower prices, with tomatoes available at ₹60 per kg (through fair price shops) and ₹58 per kg, respectively. Just a week ago, tomato prices had crossed ₹100 in Bengaluru.
According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the average retail price of tomatoes across India is ₹83.29 per kg.
Government Instructs Retail Network To Provide Tomatoes At Fair Prices
In response to the crisis, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken action to alleviate the rising prices. The government has instructed its retail network, Sufal Bangla, to provide tomatoes at fair prices to the public. Reports suggest that Sufal Bangla was charging ₹115 per kilogram for tomatoes, offering some relief to consumers in the state.
Similarly, the government of Tamil Nadu, under Chief Minister MK Stalin, has introduced tomato sales through 82 fair price shops in Chennai, selling the vegetable at ₹60 per kilogram. Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Cooperatives, KR Periyakaruppan, has emphasized that this initiative will be extended to other parts of the state if necessary.
The soaring tomato prices in India have led to concerns among citizens as the cost exceeds the price of petrol. While the government expects the prices to stabilize within 15 days, immediate relief measures have been taken in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to offer tomatoes at fair prices through retail networks and fair price shops, respectively.
