In a surprising turn of events, the price of tomatoes in India has skyrocketed by a staggering 445%, surpassing the cost of petrol and leaving citizens in shock. The exorbitant prices have forced people to cut back on their consumption of this kitchen staple.
According to data compiled by the food ministry, the price of tomatoes in New Delhi reached a staggering INR120 ($1.45) per kilogram on Thursday, a shocking increase of INR98 from the INR22 recorded at the beginning of 2023. In comparison, petrol was being sold for approximately 96 rupees per liter in the capital.
The Indian government has attributed this sharp price surge to a lean production season. While it is common for tomatoes to become pricier during the months of June and July, the extent of the increase this year is truly astounding. The disruption caused by monsoon rains has severely impacted the transportation and distribution of tomatoes, resulting in a five-fold price hike.
