Quetta: The prices of vegetables in the provincial capital have reached record highs, adding pressure to household budgets. Tomatoes, which were recently sold for Rs 50 per kilogram, are now being sold at Rs 280 to Rs 300 per kilogram, while other essential vegetables have also become unaffordable for most citizens.
Market sources attribute the sharp rise to reduced local supply and heavy reliance on imports from Iran. Retailers report that shortages in local produce have pushed prices across the board to alarming levels.
In Quetta’s markets, lemons are selling at Rs 800 per kg, green chilies at Rs 200, bitter gourd at Rs 150, ginger at Rs 600, onions at Rs 350, potatoes at Rs 150, bell peppers at Rs 250, peas at Rs 400, and garlic at Rs 250 per kilogram.
Vendors say that much of Balochistan’s produce is being supplied to other provinces, leaving local markets undersupplied. Citizens say their household budgets have been severely affected.
Residents have called on the Balochistan government and local administration to take immediate measures to stabilize prices and improve market regulation, warning that continued inaction could lead to public protests.
