Rising onion prices have become a concern for households in Delhi, but the government is now preparing a major intervention to provide relief to consumers. Onion stocks from Maharashtra are being transported to the capital, where they will be sold at a significantly lower price through government-supported outlets.

The government plans to sell onions at ₹35 per kg, which could provide substantial relief in areas where retail prices have climbed to around ₹60–₹70 per kg.

800 Tonnes of Onions to Reach Delhi

Around 800 tonnes of onions are being transported to Delhi through a special railway service known as the Kanda Express.

According to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, the onions will be sold through outlets operated by NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandaar at the subsidised price of ₹35 per kg.

The government is also transporting onion stocks to other major consumption centres, including Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati.

Why Are Onion Prices Rising?

The recent increase in onion prices has been linked to supply disruptions, particularly in Maharashtra, one of India's major onion-producing states.

Heavy rainfall in parts of Maharashtra has affected transportation and the movement of stocks toward Delhi. Reduced arrivals at wholesale markets have put additional pressure on prices.

According to traders at Delhi's Azadpur Mandi, wholesale onion prices have reportedly increased from around ₹25 per kg to nearly ₹50 per kg in recent days.

Retail Prices Touch ₹60–₹70 Per Kg

The rise in wholesale prices has also affected consumers. Retail onion prices in several parts of Delhi have reportedly reached ₹60–₹70 per kg.

Higher prices are forcing some households to reduce the quantity of onions they purchase. Even a relatively small increase can significantly affect monthly grocery budgets because onions are a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens.

Government data also indicates that onion prices have risen considerably compared with the same period last year.

Government Is Using Buffer Stocks

The onions being sent to Delhi are coming from buffer stocks maintained in Nashik, Maharashtra.

The government maintains such stocks to help manage sudden price increases and supply shortages. Releasing these reserves into major consumption centres can increase market availability and put downward pressure on prices.

The latest move is therefore aimed not only at providing cheaper onions to consumers but also at controlling the impact of supply disruptions on the wider market.

What Does This Mean for Delhi Consumers?

Consumers who can access the designated NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandaar outlets may be able to purchase onions at ₹35 per kg, substantially below the prevailing retail prices in many parts of the capital.

The government is expected to continue monitoring prices and supply conditions. If shortages persist, additional buffer stocks could potentially be released to stabilise the market.

For now, the arrival of 800 tonnes of onions is expected to provide some relief to Delhi households struggling with rising vegetable prices.