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Onion Prices Remain High Despite Government’s Subsidised Sales
Onions were still expensive in many big cities.
Government data showed prices between ₹53 and ₹60 per kilogram in four metros.
Delhi had the lowest reported metro price, while Kolkata and Chennai had the highest.
Across India, the average price was ₹54.2 per kilogram.
Some private traders said Delhi prices were even higher, at ₹60–70 per kilogram.
To bring prices down, the government is selling onions from its stored supply for ₹35 per kilogram.
Government agencies are transporting onions to cities by train and road.
Despite these efforts, normal retail prices have remained high.
The all-India average retail onion price was ₹54.2 per kg on September 22.
Metro prices ranged from ₹53 per kg in Delhi to ₹60 per kg in Kolkata and Chennai.
Private trade data put Delhi onion prices at ₹60–70 per kg, depending on quality and locality.
The government is selling buffer-stock onions at ₹35 per kg in Delhi and more than 50 other cities.
NCCF and Nafed are moving 1.21 lakh tonnes of stored onions to consuming centres by rail and road.
- Who
- The central government, through NCCF and Nafed, is selling and transporting buffer-stock onions; retailers and consumers are affected.
- What
- Onion prices remained elevated in metro markets despite subsidised government sales at ₹35 per kg.
- Where
- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and more than 50 other cities in India.
- When
- September 22; the report refers to prices recorded on Tuesday.
- Why
- The government is releasing buffer-stock onions to increase supplies and cool retail prices.
Government Data and Intervention
Private Trade Data and Market Prices
Reported retail prices
Government Data and Intervention
Consumer Affairs Ministry data put metro prices between ₹53 and ₹60 per kg, with Delhi at ₹53 per kg.
Private Trade Data and Market Prices
Private trade data indicated Delhi onions were selling for ₹60–₹70 per kg, depending on quality and locality.
Effect of subsidised sales
Government Data and Intervention
The government is releasing buffer-stock onions at ₹35 per kg in Delhi and more than 50 cities to increase supplies and cool prices.
Private Trade Data and Market Prices
Retail prices have remained firm despite the intervention, suggesting the subsidised sales have not yet brought ordinary market prices down substantially.
Key facts
- All-India average price
- ₹54.2 per kg on September 22
- Metro price range
- ₹53–₹60 per kg according to Consumer Affairs Ministry data
- Highest metro prices
- Kolkata and Chennai, at ₹60 per kg each
- Government sale price
- ₹35 per kg in selected price-sensitive cities
- Delhi private-trade range
- ₹60–₹70 per kg, depending on quality and locality
- Buffer stock
- 1.21 lakh tonnes of onions for 2026
- Distribution methods
- The “Kanda Express” rail service and road transport
Sources
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