In the wake of recent rains across Sindh, Karachi is experiencing a significant spike in vegetable prices.
The reduction in supply has prompted vendors to hike prices arbitrarily, leading to severe discrepancies between market rates and official price lists.
According to Express News, prices for essential vegetables have surged to alarming levels. Tomatoes, for instance, which are officially priced at Rs 110 per kg, are now being sold for over Rs 200. Similarly, the official price for cauliflower ranges between Rs 50 and Rs 80, but it is currently available at Rs 150. Cabbage, usually priced at Rs 60, is now commanding Rs 150 per kg.
Other vegetables have also seen drastic increases. The official rate for gourd is Rs 80, but it is being sold at Rs 120 per kg. Zucchini, which should be Rs 50, is now priced between Rs 120 and Rs 150, while tandoor (tinde) is retailing at Rs 200 per kg instead of the official Rs 100. Bitter gourd, listed at Rs 120, is now being sold at Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kg. Okra, which should cost Rs 140, is being charged at Rs 300 per kg.
Vegetable sellers attribute these price hikes to the reduced supply caused by the ongoing rains.
They caution that the situation may worsen if the rains continue, further straining supply lines and possibly pushing prices even higher.
