The price of kitchen essentials, particularly tomatoes, has skyrocketed across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, triggering alarm among households and the hotel industry. Heavy unseasonal rain in key growing belts of Karnataka and interior Maharashtra has disrupted supplies to the Vashi APMC, pushing prices up at every level — from wholesale markets to local retail and app-based delivery platforms.

The wholesale benchmark price for local tomatoes has surged to Rs 40 per kg at APMC, climbing to Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg at retail outlets. Other staple vegetables have also seen steep hikes, straining household budgets and forcing eateries across the region to cut back on ingredients.