As per retail price statistics from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the national average retail prices rose by 27% between October 19 and November 19. (AI image)

Tomato prices have skyrocketed! Even as retail inflation hits a record low, tomato prices have soared anywhere between 25% to 100% in the last month. The cost of tomatoes has surged approximately 50% in the past 10-15 days. Official data indicates retail prices have risen between 25% and 100% across various states within a month. According to an ET report, the rise in tomato prices can be attributed to reduced supply following excessive rainfall in October. Additionally, wholesale tomato prices in Maharashtra, a main supply region, increased by 45% in November compared to the previous month, whilst Delhi, a significant vegetable distribution centre for northern India, witnessed a 26% rise.“The number of trucks arriving from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat arriving at the Azadpur market have more than halved during the last one week. The excessive rainfall has inflicted heavy damage on crops in many states,” said Ashok Koshik, chairman, Azadpur Tomato Traders Association according to the ET report.As per retail price statistics from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the national average retail prices rose by 27% between October 19 and November 19, from Rs 36/kg to Rs 46/kg.Chandigarh saw the steepest increase at 112%, whilst states including Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka registered increases of over 40% within the monthly period.The market prices for premium tomatoes have reached Rs 80/kg across several locations. According to traders, the heightened demand during the wedding season and forthcoming new year festivities is likely to keep tomato prices high. A significant decline in onion, tomato and potato prices played a crucial role in reducing retail inflation to 0.25% in October, marking its lowest point since 2013.Tomatoes showed an inflation rate of -42.9%, whilst onions registered -54.3% and potatoes stood at -36.6%.