KARACHI: Consumers are currently dealing with a significant increase in vegetable costs as a result of a mismatch in supply and demand brought on by Karachi’s rainy season, on top of the high expense of living brought on by skyrocketing power bills and food prices.
Market rates and official price lists are significantly misaligned as merchants raise prices unilaterally in response to the supply shortage.
According to Express News, prices for essential vegetables have surged to alarming levels. Tomatoes, officially priced at Rs 110 per kg, are now selling for over Rs 200. Cauliflower, with an official price range of Rs 50 to Rs 80, 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. Gourd, officially priced at Rs 80, 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.
