Tomato rates jump 100% in one week

The shock of recently hiked diesel prices is being felt slowly in the prices of vegetables in Delhi markets. In the past one week alone, kitchen essential tomato has become 100% costlier at the neighbourhood greengrocers in the city.

The shock of recently hiked diesel prices is being felt slowly in the prices of vegetables in Delhi markets. In the past one week alone, kitchen essential tomato has become 100% costlier at the neighbourhood greengrocers in the city.

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From Rs 20-Rs 25 a kg, the premium variety is now being sold at Rs 50 in South and Central Delhi markets. Retailers said following the diesel price hike transporters have also started charging more.

Besides, monsoon has affected some of the yield in the neighbouring states, while Delhi is currently receiving main supply from Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
"On Wednesday, 435 tonnes tomatoes arrived in Delhi markets, much more than what is needed, with the good varieties selling for R17 per kg in wholesale," said a trader at the Azadpur mandi, Asia's biggest agriculture produce market.
According to traders, trucks bringing in the produce from far off states and then smaller transporters carrying retail quantities to local markets have all hiked their rates leading to the spike.
"Transporters in states other than Haryana have been awaiting some relief from state governments regarding the hike in diesel price. Since it became clear in the past few days that the relief would not come, the rates have increased," said the trader.
Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf has directed that rates of vegetables be publicised widely so that consumers do not end up paying unreasonably steep amounts for vegetables.
"During monsoon the prices of several vegetables see a jump, so we have to make people aware of the correct rates," he told reporters.
Consumers have also started noticing the rise in tomato prices.
"At local markets the prices are outrageous and they are not willing to bargain. There should be some enforcement of the law that prohibits sellers from overcharging like this," said Savita Sharma, a housewife from Greater Kailash-II.