Even though there is a decline in inflation figures in the country, the situation in the prices of vegetables continues to be such that it shocks the general public. Earlier in July-August, the rising costs of tomatoes broke all records and even reached Rs 300 per kg. Now, the continuously increasing costs of onion are leaving people in tears. Onion rates are reaching new heights in the retail and wholesale markets in the country.
How Much Have Onion Prices Increased?
If we compare the prices of onion between July and today, October 19, it has become costlier by about 50 per cent. According to the commodity data from the Department of Consumer Affairs, the retail price of onion was Rs 24.17 per kg on July 1, 2023, which has increased to Rs 35.94 per kg today on October 19. If seen this way, the average price of onion has increased by 49 per cent.
Prices Increased By 30 Percent In Maharashtra’s Wholesale Market Also
A vast rise in the prices of onions is also seen in the wholesale markets of Maharashtra, and they are being sold with an increase of about 30 per cent. Onion has become 30 per cent more expensive in the wholesale markets of Maharashtra in just a week. Here, onion rates were at Rs 2500 per quintal last week, down to Rs 3250 per quintal this week.
Why Are Onion Prices Increasing?
Due to the arrival of Kharif crops, the availability of red onion has been reduced, so onion prices are reaching new highs. Due to a lack of supply, onion rates are continuously increasing. The main reason behind this has been that the monsoon has been late and uneven in Maharashtra; along with this, production has also been low in the onion belt of Karnataka, the effect of which is being seen in the supply of onion.
