The residents of Quetta are reeling under a sharp spike in vegetable prices, with tomato rates skyrocketing from Rs50 to as high as Rs300 per kilogram in just a few days. The sudden surge has disrupted household budgets and added to the financial strain on ordinary citizens.
Just a few days ago, tomatoes were selling for Rs50 per kilo, but within 48 hours, the price climbed first to Rs250 and then touched Rs300. Locals say what once cost Rs250 for five kilograms now barely buys one kilogram. The steep rise has made even basic cooking ingredients unaffordable for many families.
Shopkeepers in Quetta’s vegetable markets say the city is facing a severe shortage of tomatoes. Much of Balochistan’s local produce is being supplied to other provinces, while most of the tomatoes available in Quetta are imported from Iran—already priced much higher than domestic produce.
Other vegetables have also seen record increases. Lemons are now selling for Rs800 per kilogram, ginger Rs600, onions between Rs300 and Rs350, potatoes Rs100 to Rs150, capsicum Rs250, green chilies Rs200, garlic Rs250, bitter gourd Rs150, peas Rs400, cucumber Rs120, carrots Rs100, ladyfingers Rs150, and cabbage Rs100 per kilogram.
The price hike is not limited to Quetta alone—other districts of Balochistan are also witnessing similar inflationary pressures on essential food items.
Citizens have urged the government and market regulators to take immediate action to stabilize prices and ensure fair supply in local markets. Without intervention, traders warn that public frustration could soon turn into widespread protests.
