Tomato prices across major Indian markets have once again shot up sharply, pushing up kitchen expenses for common households. After remaining affordable for a few weeks, prices have suddenly jumped due to heavy rainfall, disrupted supply and a rise in demand during the ongoing wedding season. As a result, consumers in several cities are now buying only limited quantities, hoping for relief in the coming days.

Just last month, falling prices of essential vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes had helped bring retail inflation down to 0.25%, the lowest since 2013. But the recent spike is now raising fresh concerns about rising kitchen inflation.

Prices Continue to Rise Across States

According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the average retail price of tomatoes has increased from ₹36 per kg on 19 October to ₹46 per kg on 19 November.
Several regions have seen much sharper hikes:

• Chandigarh recorded an increase of up to 112%, the highest among major cities.

• Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh reported monthly price rises of more than 40%.

• In some markets, high-quality tomatoes are selling for ₹80 per kg.

The sudden surge has caught consumers off guard, especially because prices were stable just a few weeks ago. Now, shoppers are purchasing only necessary quantities to manage their daily expenses.

Demand–Supply Gap Widens

The biggest reason behind the fresh price spike is the imbalance between demand and supply.

Despite rising demand during the festive and wedding season, heavy rainfall in key producing states—including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat—has damaged crops and slowed transportation.
Trucks arriving at Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi, one of Asia’s largest wholesale markets, have fallen to almost half the usual number, worsening the supply crunch.

Farmers have reported that persistent rain has damaged standing crops, reducing both quantity and quality. This has created a chain reaction across wholesale and retail markets, pushing prices higher.

Impact on Inflation

The sudden surge in tomato prices is expected to put upward pressure on inflation once again.
Last month, a drop in vegetable prices had significantly eased inflation, but experts caution that the situation may reverse if supply does not stabilise soon. For consumers, the impact will likely become more noticeable in the coming weeks as retailers revise prices based on rising procurement costs.

What Lies Ahead for Consumers and Markets?

Market analysts believe tomato prices may remain elevated for some time unless weather conditions improve. If rains continue in key growing regions, the next crop cycle may also be affected, delaying price correction further.

Demand, on the other hand, is expected to stay strong due to the ongoing wedding season, which traditionally increases consumption of tomatoes and other vegetables. This will keep additional pressure on the supply chain.

The government is closely monitoring the situation. In the past, authorities have intervened by increasing supply through alternative sources, releasing buffer stocks or adjusting import norms. If prices continue to rise, similar steps may be taken to stabilise the market.