Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Centre Begins Discounted Onion Sales in Delhi Amid Price Rise
The government has started selling onions cheaply in Delhi.
Each kilogram costs Rs 35 at these sales.
This is much less than the usual market price.
The onions come from the government’s stored supply, called buffer stock.
The government wants to help people and bring onion prices down.
Nidhi Khare said some people may be hoarding onions or selling them unfairly at higher prices.
She said there are enough onions for people during the festive season.
The government therefore does not plan to stop onion exports.
It said about 3.82 lakh tonnes of onions were exported from April to June 2026.
The Centre began selling onions at Rs 35 per kilogram in New Delhi on Thursday.
The price is described as a 44% discount from the prevailing market price.
The onions are being sold from the government’s buffer stock.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare blamed black marketing, hoarding and profiteering for rising prices.
The government said supplies are sufficient and it is not considering an onion export ban.
- Who
- The Government of India, through Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, began the sales.
- What
- The Centre started selling onions at Rs 35 per kilogram from its buffer stock.
- When
- The sales began on Thursday; the cited export figures cover April-June 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi, the national capital.
- Why
- To provide relief to consumers and control rising onion prices.
- Retail price
- Rs 35 per kilogram
- Price reduction
- 44% below the current market price
- Source of onions
- The government’s buffer stock
- Government explanation
- Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare attributed rising prices to black marketing, hoarding and profiteering.
- Supply position
- The government said onion supplies are adequate for festive-season demand.
- Export policy
- The government is not considering an onion export ban.
- Exports cited
- Approximately 3.82 lakh tonnes were exported during April-June 2026.