New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Onion prices stayed high in retail markets across metro cities, ranging between Rs 53 and Rs 60 per kg on Tuesday, despite the government’s measure to sell the kitchen staple from its buffer stock at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg.
Among the metros, onion was sold at Rs 53 per kg in Delhi – slightly lower than Rs 58 per kg in Mumbai – while Kolkata and Chennai recorded the highest rates at Rs 60 per kg each, according to Consumer Affairs Ministry data.
The all-India average retail price of onion stood at Rs 54.2 per kg on September 22. The maximum price was recorded at Rs 100 per kg, while the minimum was Rs 29 per kg.
However, private trade data showed retail prices were running considerably higher than the ministry’s figures.
In Delhi, for instance, onion was reportedly sold in the range of Rs 60-70 per kg depending on quality and locality, against the ministry’s reported rate of Rs 53 per kg for the national capital.
Retail prices of onion have remained firm despite the Centre’s intervention to rein in rates.
The government has been boosting domestic supplies through the subsidised sale of buffer stock at Rs 35 per kg in Delhi and over 50 other cities nationwide.
The Centre, through its nodal agencies NCCF and Nafed, is currently holding a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes of onion for 2026. These agencies have been moving stored onions in bulk from producing states to consuming centres — either via a dedicated rail rake christened the “Kanda Express” or by road — as part of the retail intervention to cool prices.
Under the scheme, onions are being sold at the subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg in select price-sensitive cities. PTI LUX HVA
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