The devastating effects of floods have now reached Karachi’s markets, causing vegetable prices to skyrocket. According to Dawn News, vegetable prices have surged by more than 100 percent, with tomatoes that were previously sold at Rs. 60 per kg now hitting Rs. 200 per kg.
Everyday essentials such as ridge gourd (tori) and apple gourd (tinda) are also being sold between Rs. 200 and Rs. 300 per kg. Citizens have urged the government and local administration to enforce official price lists, warning that artificial inflation is making survival increasingly difficult. They expressed frustration that vegetables are being sold at inflated rates even before floodwaters have fully reached Sindh.
It is worth noting that soon after the floods began, wheat hoarders had already increased flour prices nationwide due to fears of shortages. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on August 29, Karachi residents are paying the highest flour prices in the country, with a 20kg bag selling for as much as Rs. 2,100.
The report further revealed that in the past week alone, the price of a 20kg flour bag increased by Rs. 300 in Karachi, Larkana, and Khuzdar, while Hyderabad and Sukkur witnessed a hike of up to Rs. 280.
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Media and social media reports highlight that flood destruction in Punjab has severely damaged crops, triggering a sudden rise in the prices of vegetables, wheat, and flour—further straining the already burdened public.
