Tomato prices have surged nearly 50% over the past 10–15 days as supplies tightened following heavy rainfall in October. Government data shows retail tomato prices have risen 25% to 100% across various
states within a month. Wholesale prices, too, have jumped—up 45% in Maharashtra, a key supplier, and 26% in Delhi, the largest distribution hub for North India.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the all-India average retail price climbed 27% between October 19 and November 19, increasing from ₹36/kg to ₹46/kg. Chandigarh recorded the steepest rise at 112%, while Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka saw monthly spikes of over 40%.
In many places, high-quality tomatoes are now retailing at around ₹80/kg. Traders say strong demand from the ongoing wedding season and upcoming year-end celebrations will likely keep prices elevated.
Notably, the sharp fall in tomato, onion, and potato prices had helped bring retail inflation down to 0.25% in October—its lowest since 2013.
Tomato inflation stood at -42.9% in October, while onions and potatoes saw inflation of -54.3% and -36.6% respectively. However, supply disruptions are now reversing the trend. “Truck arrivals from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat to the Azadpur market have dropped by more than half over the past week.
Excessive rainfall has severely damaged crops in many regions,” said Ashok Koshik, chairman of the Azadpur Tomato Traders Association.
