Tomato prices surge over 100% in a month as weather disrupts output

Tomato prices have more than doubled in a month as adverse weather conditions disrupt production across growing regions. Warmer-than-normal September temperatures, insufficient rainfall, and below-average night temperatures have impaired fruit-setting and increased leaf curl virus incidences, causing a sharp drop in market arrivals.

The combination of climate factors has strained supply chains, pushing retail prices significantly higher. Growers report lower yields as weather conditions remain unfavourable for the crop cycle, with the situation expected to persist until arrival patterns stabilize.