Delhi government is closely monitoring sugar and onion prices and coordinating with the Centre to maintain stable supplies.
If prices rise further, onions and sugar could be procured from NAFED and supplied directly to consumers at affordable rates.
Highlights
- Delhi government monitoring onion and sugar prices closely
- Subsidised onions could be supplied if market rates rise further
- Government may procure onions and sugar directly from NAFED
- Local distribution camps could be set up across Delhi
- Action against sugar hoarding is also being initiated
- Officials say there is currently no shortage of onions or sugar
The Delhi government is closely monitoring prices of sugar and onions and is prepared to intervene in the market if rates rise further, Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Tuesday.
Sirsa said the Delhi government’s Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs is in continuous coordination with the central government to ensure stable prices and adequate availability of essential commodities. If required, the government plans to procure onions from the Centre and bring the supplies to Delhi’s mandis.
The government is also considering setting up distribution camps at different locations across the capital where onions could be provided to consumers at subsidised rates if necessary.
On sugar prices, Sirsa said the government is adopting a similar approach. The administration is preparing action against hoarding while working to ensure that available stocks reach consumers effectively.
The development follows a high-level review meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday to assess the recent movement in prices. Officials informed the meeting that Delhi currently does not face a shortage of either onions or sugar. However, the government has prepared a contingency plan in case retail prices increase further.
Under the plan, the Delhi government could procure onions and sugar directly from the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). The commodities would then be distributed at various locations in the capital at cost, with the Delhi government bearing transportation and other operational expenses.
The Food and Supplies Department has also been asked to prepare an action plan for selling NAFED-procured onions directly to consumers through local distribution camps.
Officials will monitor incoming onion supplies to maintain smooth availability and discourage speculative hoarding in wholesale markets. The administration also plans strict action against traders or suppliers found holding sugar stocks beyond prescribed limits.
The measures are aimed at protecting Delhi households from sudden increases in essential commodity prices while ensuring adequate supplies in retail markets.
