Great Tomato Dilemma: Will Retail Prices in the National Capital Continue to Rise?

New Delhi, 13 July (H.S.): The recent spike in retail tomato prices in the national capital, reaching Rs 75 per kg, is expected to subside in the coming weeks as supply improves from southern states, according to a government official.

The official stated that the prices of potatoes and onions, which have also seen a surge due to supply disruptions, are expected to stabilize soon. This disruption in supply is attributed to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and heavy rainfall. However, with the arrival of hybrid tomatoes from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the prices are likely to ease in Delhi. The all-India average retail price of tomatoes on July 12 was Rs 65.21/kg, compared to Rs 53.36/kg last year.

The government does not plan on reintroducing subsidized tomato sales, as seen in the previous year when prices exceeded Rs 110 per kg. The official expressed confidence that prices would return to normal levels within 1-2 weeks as supplies improve. Notably, India has enough stock of potatoes to meet domestic demand despite lower production than the previous year. The prices of onions are also expected to decline further with the arrival of the new crop in September.

Overall, heavy rainfall has disrupted the supply of essential vegetables, leading to a surge in their prices across key consuming areas.