QUETTA: Quetta is witnessing a sharp rise in vegetable prices, with tomato rates surging to an unprecedented level. Once sold at Rs50 per kilogram, tomatoes are now being retailed between Rs280 and Rs300 per kilogram, causing serious concern among consumers already struggling with inflation.
In this sense, the tomatoes were available for Rs50 per kilogram. However, within two days, prices climbed first to Rs250 and have now touched Rs300 per kilogram. The locals say the sudden spike has disrupted household budgets, with one shopper remarking.
Furthermore, the surge in tomato prices has had a ripple effect, with other vegetables also becoming increasingly unaffordable. In this regard, the market vendors attribute the price hike to a severe shortage of supply in Quetta’s wholesale markets.
Moreover, the prices of other essential vegetables have also seen steep increases. In Quetta’s markets, lemons are being sold for Rs800 per kilogram, green chilies for Rs200, bitter gourd for Rs150, garlic for Rs250, ginger for Rs600, onions between Rs300 and Rs350, and potatoes for Rs100 to Rs150 per kilogram.
Similarly, capsicum is priced at Rs250, carrots at Rs100, cucumber at Rs120, peas at Rs400, okra at Rs150, and cabbage at Rs100 per kilogram.
The wave of inflation is not limited to Quetta alone. There are certain concerns citizens have urged the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to stabilize the market and control profiteering.
Also Read: Uncontrolled Inflation in Quetta as Profiteers Take Over
With vegetable prices soaring to record levels, many households in Quetta are now forced to cut down on their daily consumption, indicating the broader challenges of inflation affecting communities across Pakistan.
