Rising onion prices in Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow bring tears to consumers’ eyes

The rapid increase in onion prices in recent days has brought tears to the eyes of consumers. The price of the essential commodity has risen from Rs 40-60 per kilogram to Rs 70-80 per kilogram in wholesale markets; In some areas, prices rose as high as Rs 80 per kilogram as of November 8.

The latest price hike has left consumers distressed and struggling to adjust to the rising costs of this essential kitchen item.

“The price of onion has increased from 60 rupees to 70 rupees per kilo. We procure them from the mandi, so the prices we charge from there directly affect how much we sell it for. Sales have come down due to the price increase, but people still buy onions because onions are a very important part of daily meals,” he said at the Delhi market a vendor told ANI.

Business Today could not confirm the development on his own.

According to media, heavy rains in October in Maharashtra, the country’s largest onion grower, delayed the new crop of red onions, creating a supply shortage across the country, especially in northern Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. reports.

Consumers are ruined due to the price increase. “Onion prices have increased rapidly, although they should have decreased depending on the season. I just bought onions at Rs 70 per kilo, which affected our eating habits. “I urge the government to reduce the prices of vegetables, especially those we use on a daily basis,” a buyer in Delhi told ANI.

However, the price increase is not limited to Delhi; buyers are also feeling the pinch in Mumbai and other cities.

“The price of onion and garlic has doubled. This price increase affects household budgets. “I bought 5 kg of onions for Rs 360,” a consumer in Mumbai told ANI.

A seller said, “The reason for the increase in onion prices is inflation. Its price has increased from Rs 60 to Rs 70-75 per kilo, but since onion is a staple food, people still buy onion despite its high cost.”

According to the latest Crisil report, the cost of home-made veggie thali increased by 20 percent in October 2024 compared to the previous year, while the price of non-vegetarian thali saw a 5 percent increase after a steady price decline throughout the year. . This increase was largely due to the rising costs of vegetables and edible oils during the festive season.

The increase in prices of basic vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and potatoes was remarkable. Crisil Market Intelligence & Analytics’ latest Roti Rice Rate (RRR) report revealed that adverse weather events delayed harvest in major producing regions, incessant rains in September affected kharif onions, damaged tomato crops and reduced cold storage stocks of potatoes.

As a result, tomato prices have more than doubled on an annual basis, from Rs 29/kg to Rs 64/kg. According to the report, onion prices increased by 46 percent compared to October 2023, and potato prices increased by 51 percent.

Continued price increases are due to a variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions. Heavy September rains delayed the arrival of the kharif harvest, leading to a shortage of new onion stocks in major markets like Lasalgaon. As a result, onion prices rose sharply from Rs 47.70 per kg to Rs 57.70 per kg in early November. At Pimpalgaon APMC in Nashik, prices have increased by nearly 25 per cent in a week, while tomatoes have also followed suit.