Tomato price still high across city

Even when wholesale prices for onions slowly headed south on Monday, it is the price of tomato that is pinching the pockets of the common man. HT reports.

Even when wholesale prices for onions slowly headed south on Monday, it is the price of tomato that is pinching the pockets of the common man.

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Tomatoes were sold at retail rates ranging between R35 and R50 per kg across colonies in the city, way above the wholesale prices.

"On Monday, the wholesale rate ranged between R12 and R24 (best quality)," said Anil Malhotra, executive member of the Vegetable Traders Association at the mandi.

Mother Dairy's Safal stores were selling tomatoes at R27.9 per kg on Monday, much below the average private retail price.

In the meantime, with 1,600 tonnes of onion arrivals, the situation at the mandi improved with wholesale rates ranging between R13 per kg and R33 per kg (best quality). However, private retail rates still ranged at a high of R55 per kg to R60 per kg at several markets.