The price of tomatoes has skyrocketed across Pakistan, surpassing Rs.500 per kilogram, while the rates of onions, potatoes, green chilies, ladyfingers, taro roots, ginger, and garlic have also surged sharply.
Reports indicate that inflation continues to grip nearly all essential commodities, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to manage their household budgets. The price hike in vegetables has become so severe that tomatoes are now more expensive than chicken, which is being sold between Rs.450 and Rs.500 per kilogram.
In several districts, including Badin, Jamshoro, Mirpur Khas, and Turbat, tomato prices have reached around Rs.450 per kilogram. In Karachi, rates have soared even higher, ranging from Rs.450 to Rs.550 per kilogram.
According to vegetable traders, the price surge is due to a shortage of local supply from Punjab and delays in Sindh’s tomato crop reaching the markets. They added that nearly 90% of Karachi’s current tomato demand is being met through imports from Iran, while the suspension of imports from Afghanistan has further worsened the situation.
Inflation Trends in September 2025:
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the core inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by 5.6% in September 2025—up from 3.0% in August. Overall inflation increased by 2.6% in September, nearly double the rate of the previous month, which saw a 0.6% decline.
Urban inflation climbed by 5.5% in September compared to 3.4% in August, while rural inflation rose by 5.8% year-on-year, up from 2.4% the month before. Food prices surged by 4.4%, and non-food items increased by 6%, according to CPI data.
The Ministry of Finance had projected a 3.5% to 4.5% rise in prices for September. On average, prices have increased by 4.22% during the first quarter (July–September) of the current fiscal year.
