Retail prices of tomatoes, which have skyrocketed in several cities in India, are burning a hole in the pocket of consumers. According to an India Today report, “tomatoes now cost 300 per cent more than their normal rates this season.”

In Bengaluru, the retail price of tomatoes was around Rs 10, two months ago, whereas it is hovering between Rs 80-100 at present.

Keshav SH, marketing manager at Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOM), told The News Minute, “Due to a scarcity of water coupled with high-temperatures in the month of March and April, farmers started sowing in the month of May when it rained. After 45 days of fruiting, the crops got damaged following heavy rainfall. This is why prices have soared.”

He added that around this time, prices of vegetables usually go up, but that this time it is higher by 20-30%. ''We have 270 outlets in the city and we get tomatoes from Ramanagar, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Devanahalli and Mandya. HOPCOM is selling tomatoes at Rs 80/kg at present and the rates will go down in next 15-20 days.”

“I am in this business for the last two decades. This is the first time that the price of tomato has crossed Rs 70 per kg. If the rain continues over the next one week, prices may go up even further,” Janardhana Bangera, a vegetable wholesale merchant in Yeshwanthpur, told Deccan Chronicle.

Online supermarkets are also selling tomatoes at different prices in the city. While Big Basket has tomato hybrid for Rs 78/kg and tomato locale Rs86/kg, BuyGreenz is selling the red fruit for ₹79/kg, and Foodie Friendly Food Store has tomato (big) for Rs 83.50/kg and tomato (small) for ₹81.50.