4 hrs ago
Onion Prices Surge as Subsidised Sales Await Supplies
Onions have become much more expensive in parts of the erstwhile East Godavari district.
Their price rose from about Rs 25 to as much as Rs 80 per kilogram in two months.
This happened because fewer onions are arriving in local markets.
Maharashtra, an important supplier, reportedly had lower cultivation after farmers faced low prices earlier.
Other states also have fewer onion stocks.
Families are buying fewer onions because their food budgets are under pressure.
Officials plan to sell onions more cheaply through Rythu Bazaars.
However, those supplies have not arrived yet.
Officials say subsidised sales could begin within two days.
Retail onion prices in the erstwhile East Godavari district have risen from about Rs 25 to Rs 70–80 per kg in two months.
Maharashtra, the region’s main supplier, reportedly reduced cultivation after earlier price declines, while stocks in other states also fell.
Officials have proposed selling onions at Rs 32–35 per kg through special counters at selected Rythu Bazaars.
Subsidised supplies have not yet reached consumers, although officials say sales may begin within two days.
Konaseema alone requires an estimated 250 quintals of onions daily, while the joint district’s monthly consumption is estimated at 5,000 tonnes.
- Who
- Consumers, farmers in Maharashtra, the Marketing Department and local district authorities are involved.
- What
- Onion prices have sharply increased, while proposed subsidised sales have yet to begin.
- Where
- The affected markets are in the erstwhile East Godavari district, including Kakinada, East Godavari and Konaseema.
- When
- Prices rose over the past two months; officials said subsidised sales were likely to start within two days.
- Why
- Supplies have fallen because of lower cultivation in Maharashtra and declining stocks in other states, causing arrivals to fall short of demand.
Consumer concerns
Official response
Availability of affordable onions
Consumer concerns
Consumers say the price increase is straining household budgets and have urged authorities to begin regular subsidised sales without delay.
Official response
Officials say they are arranging subsidised supplies and that sales may begin within two days, subject to stock availability and supply arrangements.
Cause of the price increase
Consumer concerns
Consumers are facing higher prices because local arrivals are not meeting demand.
Official response
Officials and the report attribute the shortage to reduced cultivation in Maharashtra after earlier low prices and declining stocks in other states.
Key facts
- Current retail price
- Nearly Rs 70–80 per kg
- Price two months ago
- About Rs 25 per kg
- Proposed subsidised price
- Rs 32–35 per kg
- Main supply source
- Maharashtra
- Konaseema daily requirement
- About 250 quintals
- Joint district monthly consumption
- At least 5,000 tonnes
- Planned sales locations
- Rythu Bazaars in Amalapuram, Kothapeta and Ravulapalem
Sources
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