Tezzbuzz Desk: People troubled by rising onion prices in Delhi may get relief soon. The retail price of onion in the capital has reached Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg in many areas. At the same time, onion prices have almost doubled in the wholesale markets of Delhi in the last few days. In such a situation, the Central Government has taken a big step to increase the supply of onion in the market and control the prices. The government is preparing to sell onion at the rate of Rs 35 per kg in Delhi.
The government is bringing buffer stock of onion from Maharashtra to Delhi. Its first consignment will reach the capital on Wednesday through 'Kanda Express'. About 800 tonnes of onion will be brought to Delhi. It will be made available to consumers at the rate of Rs 35 per kg through NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar stores. The government aims to curb rising retail prices by increasing the availability of affordable onions in the market. According to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, apart from Delhi, onions are also being transported to major cities like Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati through 'Kanda Express'. This onion is being sent from the buffer stock kept in Nashik, Maharashtra. The government had reserved this stock to deal with sudden increases in prices.
Actually, the effect of increase in onion prices is visible across the country. According to Department of Consumer Affairs data, the all-India average retail price of onion reached Rs 44.72 per kg on August 25. On July 25, this price was Rs 34.80 per kg. This means that the average price of onion has increased by more than 28 percent in about a month. In the same period a year ago, the average price of onion was Rs 28.67 per kg. The main reason for the increase in wholesale onion prices in Delhi is said to be the rain in Maharashtra and the resulting disruption in transportation and arrivals. The wholesale price of onion in Azadpur mandi has increased from around Rs 25 per kg to Rs 50 per kg. According to traders, due to the impact of onion supply from Maharashtra, the stock available in the market has reduced and this has had a direct impact on the prices.
Its effect is clearly visible in the retail market of Delhi also. In many areas including Sadar Bazaar, onion is being sold at around Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg. Due to rising prices, customers have also reduced the purchase of onions. However, the government's decision to make onion available at the rate of Rs 35 per kg is expected to provide great relief to consumers. If sufficient quantity of government stock reaches the market, the current onion prices in Delhi may decline significantly.