NEW DELHI: To provide relief to consumers, the Central Government on Friday announced that tomatoes will be sold at subsidised retail prices ranging between ₹47 and ₹60 per kilogram in the national capital. The sales are being carried out through the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).
The NCCF, which began procuring tomatoes from Azadpur mandi on August 4, is offering them at minimal margins, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said in a statement.
“So far, NCCF has sold 27,307 kilograms of tomatoes at prices varying from ₹47 to ₹60 per kg, depending on the procurement cost,” the ministry added.
Retail sales are being facilitated through NCCF’s fixed outlets at Nehru Place, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk, and Rajiv Chowk, as well as 6–7 mobile vans operating at various city locations.
This is not the first time NCCF has undertaken such an initiative; similar efforts were made in previous years too.
According to the ministry, the recent spike in tomato prices in Delhi is a temporary phenomenon caused by heavy rainfall, although the all-India average price remains stable. The average retail price of tomatoes in Delhi currently stands at ₹73 per kg, attributed to the unusually heavy rains in northern and north-western India since late July.
“Due to these weather-related disruptions, prices had soared to as high as ₹85 per kg by the end of July,” the statement noted. However, with a recovery in daily arrivals at Azadpur mandi over the past week, both wholesale and retail prices have started to decline.
The ministry clarified that the fluctuation in retail prices across the country is largely due to temporary localised factors, not due to a fundamental demand-supply mismatch or production shortfall.
In comparison, cities like Chennai and Mumbai, which haven’t experienced similar weather conditions, have seen more stable prices. The current average retail price of tomatoes is ₹50 per kg in Chennai and ₹58 per kg in Mumbai, both lower than Delhi’s current rate.
Nationwide, the average tomato price stands at ₹52 per kg, down from ₹54 per kg a year ago and significantly lower than ₹136 per kg in 2023.
The ministry also noted that, unlike previous years, prices of key vegetables like potato, onion, and tomato have remained under control this monsoon season. Increased production in 2024–25 has ensured sufficient supply and lower retail prices for potatoes and onions compared to last year.
To help stabilize prices, the government has procured 3 lakh tonnes of onion for buffer stocks. “Calibrated and targeted release of this buffer stock is expected to begin in September,” the ministry said.
Overall, food commodity prices have been stable and well-contained throughout the current year. As of August 8, most commodities monitored by the ministry are showing a stable or declining year-on-year price trend.
Furthermore, the ministry highlighted that the cost of a homemade thali dropped by 14% in July 2025, indicating continued moderation in food inflation during the month.
