Flooding and recent rains have fueled a sharp rise in vegetable prices, with shortages hitting markets in major cities.In Islamabad, tomatoes have completely disappeared from cheap markets, while the prices of other vegetables, including potatoes and onions, have also become unaffordable.Shopkeepers say that tomatoes are being sold in wholesale markets at Rs300 per kg, compared to the official government rate of Rs123 per kg.The impact is not limited to the capital.

In Jhelum, heavy rains and flooding have severely damaged agricultural lands and crops, leading to a sharp surge in prices. Tomatoes, which were available for Rs50 per kg just a week ago, are now being sold at Rs220 per kg.Other vegetables such as potatoes, onions, cabbage, and bitter gourd have also become 150% more expensive, according to traders at Sadar Sabzi Mandi. Citizens say the shortage has made daily essentials out of reach and have demanded urgent action from authorities to stabilize prices and ensure supply.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)