Overview

• Retail tomato prices have climbed to Rs450–560 per kg, making them costlier than chicken meat selling around Rs450 per kg in the city.
• Wholesalers report retail markups of more than double the Rs250–300 per kg wholesale rate, and enforcement of official rates has been ineffective.
• Market leaders cite reduced Balochistan output, delayed Sindh arrivals, fewer Iranian shipments, suspended Afghan inflows, and flood-hit supplies from Punjab, with dealers saying roughly 90% of current demand is being met by Iran.
• Shoppers are cutting purchases to as little as 250 grams, and prices of other vegetables such as peas, ridge gourd, and ginger have risen by Rs50–100 per kg.
• Poultry has eased after overproduction and a halt to exports to Afghanistan, eggs remain elevated at Rs310–360 per dozen, pulses are steady despite global declines, and sugar is stable though an industry–tax authority dispute poses a supply risk.