Onion Prices Surging In Delhi Amid Supply Shortage In Maharashtra. Here's What Is Leading To Price Rise

In Maharashtra, which hosts the largest onion trading hub in the country, the onion prices have surged to about 30 per cent compared to last month at the Lasalgaon wholesale market.

The onion prices are expected to rise in Delhi and metro cities in the coming weeks.

Source : PTI

The onion prices have seen a significant rise this week over the shortage of supply due to reduced harvest and unfavourable weather conditions. 

The price of the kitchen staple in the retail market is currently at around Rs 45 per kg on average, which is higher than Rs 31 per kg during the same time last year.

Due to the sudden surge, the prices of onions have risen in major cities including Delhi, where there has been a surge of over 25% taking the prices to Rs 50 per kg. According to a report in Jagran, onion was being sold at Rs 40-45 per kg in Azadpur Sabzi Mandi on Monday, while the retail price reached Rs 70 per kg in the market. 

In Maharashtra, which hosts the largest onion trading hub in the country, the onion prices have surged to about 30 per cent compared to last month at the Lasalgaon wholesale market. 

Why Has There Rise In Onion Prices?

The price of the onion has risen due to a host of factors; including supply shortage, ending of Shravan months and reduced output. 

- One of the main reasons behind the price rise is the lower-than-expected rabi crop. The crop, planted in December-January and harvested after March, contributes to around three-fourths of the total output in the country. 

- There is also a fear about the Kharif crop output. The Kharif sowing this year has been lower than usual, with the country reporting 1.54 lakh hectares against 2.85 lakh hectares last year, a report in The Indian Express said.

- The onion prices have also risen due to the end of Shravan month, when many Hindus in North India abstain from eating onions along with other dietary restrictions, causing a surge in demand after the month ends. 

- In view of the unfavourable outlook, several traders have also started hoarding supplies expecting to sell their lot when the prices increase further. 

Prices Of Vegetables To Rise?

There has been a surge of vegetables apart from onions, with potatoes and tomatoes seeing the price rise.

The potato prices have skyrocketed to Rs 2,116 per quintal from Rs 1,076 per quintal, according to Livemint. 

Meanwhile, the price of tomatoes has also risen due to rainfall-related transportation disruptions in Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan states.

The rise in price comes ahead of the festive season in the country, putting a strain on the household budgets of families.