Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Why Onion Prices Crossed ₹60 Amid Supply Pressures
Onion prices in India have gone above ₹60 per kilogram in some cities.
Bad rain and hail damaged many onions grown in Maharashtra.
The damaged onions did not last as long in storage.
This caused stored supplies to disappear faster than expected.
Fewer onions are now reaching wholesale markets.
People and businesses are also buying more onions before the festive season.
Farmers may produce fewer Kharif onions, which could keep supplies tight.
The government is releasing stored onions and sending special freight trains to bring more onions to cities.
Retail onion prices have exceeded ₹60 per kg in several major Indian cities.
Unseasonal rain and hailstorms damaged Maharashtra’s late Rabi onion crop in March and April.
Damaged onions deteriorated faster, causing stored supplies to run out earlier than usual.
Maharashtra’s Kharif onion production may fall by around 5% to 7%, raising further supply concerns.
Festive demand and reduced arrivals have pushed prices higher, while the government is releasing buffer stocks and using Kanda Express freight trains.
- Who
- Consumers, onion growers and traders in India are affected; the central government is releasing buffer stocks.
- What
- Onion prices have risen above ₹60 per kg because supplies have tightened while demand has increased.
- When
- Crop damage occurred in March and April; seasonal price pressure typically rises during August and September, before the next major crop arrives around October.
- Where
- Across India, with Maharashtra and Nashik identified as key parts of the supply chain and several major cities reporting prices above ₹60 per kg.
- Why
- Unseasonal weather damaged crops, stored onions depleted faster, possible Kharif production declines raised concerns, and festive demand increased.
- Retail price
- Above ₹60 per kg in several major Indian cities
- Main affected crop
- Maharashtra’s late Rabi onion crop
- Weather damage
- Unseasonal rain and hailstorms in March and April
- Potential Kharif decline
- Maharashtra’s Kharif production could fall by around 5% to 7%
- Seasonal demand
- Household and commercial demand rises ahead of the festive season
- Government response
- Buffer-stock onions are being released into key consumption markets
- Transport initiative
- Kanda Express freight trains are moving onions from Nashik to high-demand urban centres