Tomato prices have risen sharply all over the country, owing to crop damage and poor supply, retailers said on Tuesday. The situation has been worsening for the past 15 days. Data by the Consumer Affairs Ministry shows that while the kitchen staple cost Rs 20-Rs 40 a kg two weeks ago, it has risen to as high as Rs 80 a kg in some metros now.

The onset of the rains damaged crops in South India, sellers said. Meanwhile, the heat wave in the north affected the produce there. The tomato is more perishable than other staples like potatoes or onions, and its prices are thus more vulnerable. This crop year (July 2015-June 2016), India is expected to produce 18.28 million tonnes of tomatoes, as against 16.38 tonnes the previous year, The Indian Express reported.