Tomato prices have surged to Rs 80 per kg in retail markets due to damaged road networks in Himachal Pradesh from heavy rains, reducing supplies to main consumption areas. The average retail price reached Rs 55 per kg on July 3, up from Rs 35 a month ago. The India Meteorological Department predicts more rain in tomato-growing regions, potentially causing further price hikes. Last year, flash floods pushed prices over ₹350 per kg, prompting McDonald's to temporarily halt tomato usage in some outlets.
