India’s Tomato Prices Surge Over 300%, Sparking Theft And Turmoil

India is facing a tomato crisis as prices have skyrocketed more than 300% due to extreme weather conditions.

Tomato prices surged 341% year-to-date, from 24.68 rupees per kg to 108.92 rupees per kg as of July 11, data from the Department of Consumer Affairs showed.

Flooding in major tomato-producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka has been a key driver to the price surge, according to India’s National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, a council dedicated to agricultural research.

“Due to excess rainfall in these states, tomato [crops have] been highly affected… A large part of the tomato crop has been destroyed due to rains and flood,” the council stated.