Tomatoes in Pakistan Reach ₹600 per Kg, Prices Surge by 400%

In Brief

• Tomatoes in Pakistan at 600 Rupees per Kg, Prices Increase by 400%

• Why are tomato prices rising?

• Pakistanis have to pay more for basic food items

After the borders with Afghanistan were closed, there is a significant increase in the prices of essential goods, especially tomatoes, in Pakistan. The price of tomatoes has increased by more than 400 percent to about 600 Pakistani rupees ($2.13) per kilogram after the borders with Afghanistan were closed. This step was taken following a conflict between the two neighboring countries earlier this month, which is the worst fighting on their shared border since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.

Since October 11, the closure of all trade and transport routes has led to a severe shortage of fresh produce, grains, dairy products, and other essential items. Khan Jan Alokozai, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce in Kabul, told Reuters, "As each day passes, both sides are losing about $1 million."

Why are tomato prices rising?

The tomato, a staple in Pakistani kitchens, has been particularly affected. Due to the blockade, about 500 containers of vegetables meant for export are spoiling every day, said Alokozay. According to a Pakistani official at the Torkham crossing in northwest Pakistan, a total of 5,000 containers are stuck on both sides of the border. The official also mentioned that apples and grapes, which are heavily imported from Afghanistan, are also available in limited quantities.

This issue has arisen as fresh produce from Afghanistan and northern Pakistan typically enters the local market. The blockade has disrupted a trade route that significantly contributes to the annual trade of 2.3 billion dollars between the two countries, which includes fruits, vegetables, minerals, medicines, wheat, rice, sugar, meat, and dairy products.

Impact of Previous Trade Trends

The increase in tomato prices is also partially linked to long-term cross-border trade. Trucks carrying tomatoes from Delhi and Nashik were arriving in Pakistan daily, which led to an increase in local prices in the Indian market. Experts noted that floods in Sindh and other Pakistani producing regions exacerbate local shortages, further driving up prices.

Currently, Pakistani consumers are facing a similar situation as local supply is decreasing and imports are also reducing due to border closures. According to R.P. Gupta, Director of the National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation, major producing regions in India like Nashik, Pune, and Ahmednagar meet the needs of northern markets during this period. The lack of cross-border supply increases pressure on domestic prices in Pakistan.

Is the border closed?

Recent conflicts have erupted along the 2,600-kilometer border after Islamabad demanded that Kabul provide shelter to terrorists attacking Pakistan from Afghan territory. The Taliban has refused to shelter such groups. Although the ceasefire mediated in talks organized by Qatar and Turkey last weekend largely held, the border remains closed. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25.

Pakistanis have to pay more for basic food items

Now, consumers in Pakistan have to pay more for basic food items. The shortage of tomatoes, apples, and grapes is increasing due to perishable stock, and concerns are rising about the increasing prices of other essential goods. The Ministry of Commerce has not issued any comments on the matter, leaving traders and residents to face rising prices and limited availability.

As the borders remain closed, analysts have warned that the impact of inflation on essential food items may persist, putting a strain on household budgets and local markets across Pakistan.