New Delhi: The rising prices of onion during festivals had spoiled the kitchen budget of common people. After the rapid increase in onion prices in many cities, the central government started releasing onions from its buffer stock in the market to control the prices. For this, along with 'Kanda Express', trucks are also being used. According to the latest information, the government has sold about 4,000 tonnes of buffer onion in just 10 days.
According to PTI report, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare gave information regarding the sale of onion on Sunday. He said that to control the rising prices, onions have been taken out from the buffer stock and sent to different cities. In the first 10 days, this onion was delivered to 17 cities and about 4,000 tonnes were sold. The Central Government has kept a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes of onion ready for 2026 through NCCF and NAFED.
Onion is available at Rs 35 per kg
To provide relief in prices, NCCF and NAFED have started retail sale of buffer stock onions. 'Kanda Express' and trucks are being used to transport onions from producing states to big cities and major consumption centres. In selected cities, where the impact of onion prices is high, onion from the buffer stock is being sold at a concessional price of Rs 35 per kg.
According to Nidhi Khare, a large quantity of onion has been transported to Delhi and Chennai with the help of Kanda Express. Now the third consignment is being prepared for Guwahati. The government says that this sale has brought some relief to the customers and there has also been a slight reduction in retail prices.
NCCF sold 1,500 tons of onion
According to NCCF Managing Director Anees Joseph Chandra, the federation has so far sold about 1,500 tonnes of buffer onion in the retail market at the rate of Rs 35 per kg in different cities. For this, agreements have been made with the states. The sale is also being done with the help of stores, mobile vans, cooperative societies and local administration.
Still above Rs 60 in many cities
According to government data, the all India average retail price of onion has declined after the buffer stock came into the market. It had come down from Rs 50.79 per kg to Rs 48.5 per kg on August 28. However, on September 5, onion was being sold at Rs 58 per kg in Delhi, Rs 53 in Mumbai and Rs 63 per kg in Chennai. Its price in Ranchi was Rs 40, while the average wholesale price was recorded at Rs 42.79 per kg.