Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Onion Prices Surge in Telangana as Centre Expands Kanda Express
Onion prices in Telangana have become much higher than they were two months ago.
White onions cost nearly Rs.
100 per kilogram, while red onions cost Rs.
60 to Rs.
70.
This makes it harder for families, food sellers and hotels to buy onions.
Officials said fewer onions are arriving from Maharashtra because of low rainfall and crop failure there.
They also said onion prices often rise during certain seasons and festivals.
The government is releasing onions from its stored supply to help the market.
It is also using trains through a program called Kanda Express.
The government says it will take more steps if prices remain unusually volatile.
White onion prices in Telangana have reached nearly Rs. 100 per kg, while red onions cost Rs. 60-70 per kg.
Red onions were sold for about Rs. 20 per kg two months ago, including six kilograms for Rs. 100 from vehicles.
Reduced imports from Maharashtra, attributed to insufficient rain and crop failure, have contributed to the price rise.
Consumers, vendors, hotels and housewives say they are cutting back on onion use because of the higher prices.
The government is releasing buffer-stock onions and expanding Kanda Express rail transport to improve supplies.
- Who
- Consumers, vendors, hotels, housewives, government officials and onion suppliers are involved.
- What
- Onion prices have risen sharply in Telangana, prompting government supply interventions.
- When
- Prices rose sharply over the past two months; rail transportation from Nashik began on August 24, with figures reported for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Where
- Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, amid supplies moving from Maharashtra and Nashik to major consumption centres.
- Why
- Reduced supplies linked to insufficient rainfall and crop failure in Maharashtra, along with seasonal demand and supply-chain factors, have pushed prices higher.
Consumer and Market Concerns
Government Response
Reason for the price increase
Consumer and Market Concerns
Consumers, vendors and hotels are experiencing sharply higher costs and say they are reducing onion use.
Government Response
Officials attribute the rise to lower imports from Maharashtra after insufficient rainfall and crop failure, as well as seasonal demand, weather and supply-chain factors.
How prices should be addressed
Consumer and Market Concerns
The high prices are making onions difficult for ordinary consumers and businesses to buy.
Government Response
The government says it is releasing buffer-stock onions in a calibrated manner and using Kanda Express to improve supplies and limit undue volatility.
- White onion price
- Nearly Rs. 100 per kg
- Red onion price
- Rs. 60 to Rs. 70 per kg
- Earlier red onion price
- About Rs. 20 per kg two months ago
- 2024-25 rail movement
- Nearly 12,000 MT moved in 14 railway rakes to five cities
- 2025-26 rail movement
- About 88,000 MT moved in 86 rakes to 16 major cities
- Latest rail route
- Transportation from Nashik to key consumption centres began on August 24
- Government measures
- Calibrated buffer-stock releases and Kanda Express bulk rail transportation