Karachi: Recent rains in Sindh have led to a shortage of vegetables in Karachi, prompting vendors to significantly increase prices.
According to News, vegetable sellers are charging double the official rates, with some items being priced three times higher than usual.
In Karachi, tomatoes have once again reached a price of PKR 200 per kilogram, while bitter gourd is now selling at PKR 250 and okra at PKR 350 per kilogram.
The official price list shows tomatoes priced at PKR 110 per kilogram, but they are being sold for over PKR 200 in the city.
Similarly, cucumbers are priced at PKR 100 instead of the official rate of PKR 60, and taro root is being sold at PKR 200 per kilogram instead of PKR 130.
Cauliflower, listed at PKR 50 to 80 per kilogram in the official list, is being sold for PKR 150, while cabbage is priced at PKR 150 instead of PKR 60.
Other vegetables are also affected: bottle gourd, officially priced at PKR 80, is selling for PKR 120 per kilogram; ridge gourd is priced between PKR 120 and 150 instead of PKR 50; and tinda (apple gourd) is being sold for PKR 200 instead of the official price of PKR 100.
Bitter gourd, officially priced at PKR 120, is now being sold for PKR 200 to 250 per kilogram, and okra is priced at PKR 300 instead of the official rate of PKR 140.
Vendors claim that reduced supply in the vegetable market is leading traders to charge higher prices, affecting retail prices as well.
They also warn that ongoing rains could lead to further price increases in the coming days.