Tomato prices have started to decline in major markets after steady imports from Iran helped stabilise supplies, following weeks of record-high rates that reached Rs600–700 per kilogramme.
Floods and heavy rains in Punjab have severely damaged local tomato crops, while arrivals from Swat have dropped to 20–30 truckloads daily from a normal 150–200. Sindh’s crop remains largely safe, with new supplies expected to reach markets from November through February.
Traders said Iranian tomatoes are now selling for Rs200 per kg in Karachi, compared to Rs560 per kg last week, as fresh consignments arrive from Iran and limited supplies come from Sindh and Swat. However, they warned that a shortage could re-emerge by March or April next year if weather conditions and crop recovery remain weak.
According to traders, Punjab is currently relying on tomatoes from Swat and Iran, with 70–90 trucks arriving daily from Iran. A single consignment takes five to six days to reach Punjab.
Waheed Ahmed, patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Dealers Association, said floods and border closures have disrupted supplies from both Afghanistan and Balochistan. He suggested that Pakistan should consider importing from neighbouring countries to stabilise prices.
“The government can temporarily reduce or eliminate import duties on tomatoes, as was done for onions during shortages,” Ahmed said.
Traders anticipate stable prices through February, provided import routes with Iran remain open and domestic weather conditions do not disrupt the next planting cycle.
