Relief may soon be on the way for Delhi-NCR residents grappling with soaring tomato prices, which have surpassed the Rs 100 per kg mark, as increased supplies from Maharashtra are expected in the coming days, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare.
The government will continue selling tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 65 per kg in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai through the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF), Khare said.
The price surge comes as supplies from key southern states Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been disrupted due to retreating monsoon rains causing crop damage and pest infestation. This supply crunch, coupled with festive season demand, has pushed prices northward.
"While weekly arrivals have been affected, we anticipate improved supplies from Maharashtra soon, which should help stabilise prices in the national capital," Khare stated, emphasising that the government is closely monitoring price movements.
Since October 7, the NCCF has sold approximately 10,000 kg of tomatoes through mobile vans and outlets in Delhi and Mumbai at a subsidised rate.
"The retail intervention will continue until we see a meaningful impact on prices," Khare added, noting that similar measures were effective in controlling prices last year.
This time, the government's market intervention has extended beyond a week, providing relief to consumers during the festive season.
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