Prices of tomatoes have soared to around ₹200 per kilogram in several districts of Uttarakhand, causing distress among consumers. Gangotri Dham has witnessed the steepest increase, with tomatoes being sold at ₹250 per kg. Similarly, in Uttarkashi, the versatile vegetable is available at prices ranging from ₹180 to ₹200.
The price hike can be attributed to adverse weather conditions in the growing areas. Heavy rainfall and hotter-than-normal temperatures last month have severely affected tomato production, resulting in a fivefold increase in prices compared to previous years. While tomato prices typically rise during the lean production months of June and July, the situation this year has been exacerbated.
Delhi-NCR has witnessed a similar disruption in tomato supply, leading to retail prices surging up to ₹140 per kg. The region's reliance on producing centres, which have been impacted by heavy rains, has caused this supply disruption.
The situation in Mumbai is no different, with tomato prices crossing ₹150 per kg on 4 July. Additionally, ginger, chillies, and coriander have also experienced price surges.