Retail prices of tomatoes in Delhi have increased to around Rs. 70-80 per kilogram due to a decrease in supply owing to the recent heatwave. Mother Dairy, a prominent supplier of fruits and vegetables in Delhi-NCR, is selling tomatoes at Rs. 75 per kilogram through its retail store 'Safal'. Local vendors are selling them at Rs. 70-80 per kilogram.

"The recently occurred heatwave conditions across key tomato growing belts in the hilly regions in the north have impacted the production of the crop, resulting in constrained supply for retail markets and subsequent price volatility," a Mother Dairy Spokesperson said on Friday.

Online marketplaces Otipy and Blinkit sell tomatoes at Rs. 80 per kilogram. Local vendors attribute the increase in retail prices to the sharp rise in wholesale prices of tomatoes, which range between 50 and 60 rupees per kilogram.

However, according to data collected by the Consumer Affairs Department, the retail prices of tomatoes in Delhi stand at Rs 55 per kilogram. The average all-India price of tomatoes on Friday was Rs 58.25 per kilogram, while the modal price was Rs 50 per kilogram.

Veg Thali Becomes Costly

The maximum and minimum prices of tomatoes are Rs 130 per kilogram and Rs 20 per kilogram, respectively. In addition to tomatoes, the pan-India average retail prices of potatoes and onions increased to Rs 35.34 per kilogram and Rs 43.01 per kilogram, respectively.

According to a report released on Friday, the average vegetarian thali became 10% more expensive in June owing to higher prices of onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. However, non-vegetarian meals thali became cheaper, as per Crisil Market Intelligence and Analysis's monthly report titled 'Roti Rice Price'.

The cost of a vegetarian thali, which includes roti, vegetables (onions, tomatoes, and potatoes), rice, curd, and salad, increased by 10% to Rs. 29.4 per plate in June from Rs. 26.7 in the corresponding period last year. He added that it was higher than Rs. 27.8 lakh in May 2024.

(With agencies input)