Retail onion prices remained elevated between ₹53 and ₹60 per kg across major metro cities despite the Centre selling onions from its buffer stock at a subsidised price of ₹35 per kg.
Retail onion prices continued to remain high across India’s major cities, with Delhi recording ₹53 per kg, Mumbai ₹58, and Kolkata and Chennai the highest at ₹60 per kg, according to Consumer Affairs Ministry data.
The all-India average retail onion price stood at ₹54.2 per kg as of September 22. Across the country, prices ranged from a minimum of ₹29 per kg to a maximum of ₹100 per kg.
Private market data indicated that consumers in several localities were paying even more than the official average. In Delhi, retail prices reportedly ranged between ₹60 and ₹70 per kg depending on quality and neighbourhood.
To moderate prices, the Centre is releasing onions from its 1.21 lakh tonne buffer stock through NCCF and Nafed. The agencies are transporting onions to consuming centres via the dedicated Kanda Express rail service and road logistics before selling them at ₹35 per kg in more than 50 cities.
The intervention is aimed at increasing market supplies as onion prices remain under pressure ahead of the festive season.
