The prices of onions in the Delhi NCR markets have surged by 50% over the past week. This rise comes amidst an already high cost of green vegetables due to the scorching summer heat. Along with onions, potato prices have also seen a significant increase.
Current Prices and Trends:
- Wholesale Market: Good quality onions that were sold for ₹17 per kg in Nashik two weeks ago are now being sold at ₹30 per kg. In Delhi’s Azadpur wholesale market, the price has reached ₹40 per kg. Consequently, in the retail market, these onions are expected to sell for at least ₹50 per kg.
- Retail Market: A week ago, on June 2, 2024, the retail price of onions was between ₹25 to ₹30 per kg. By June 9, the price had increased to ₹35 to ₹40 per kg. As of June 11, the price has further risen to ₹50 per kg.
Potato Prices:
- Current Trend: Due to the heat, the prices of green vegetables have skyrocketed, leading low-income families to shift to potatoes. As a result, the price of ordinary potatoes has reached ₹35 to ₹40 per kg. If you are looking for Chipsona or hill potatoes, they are priced at ₹45 per kg.
Reasons for the Price Increase:
- Eid-al-Adha Demand: The upcoming festival of Eid-al-Adha (Bakra Eid) on Monday has increased the demand for onions across the country. Traders have started stocking up in anticipation.
- Supply Issues: The largest onion market in India, Lasalgaon in Nashik, saw the average wholesale price of onions rise to ₹26 per kg on Monday, from ₹17 per kg on May 25. High-quality onions, which form a small portion of the total supply, have crossed ₹30 per kg. Additional transportation costs add another ₹5 to ₹7 per kg by the time they reach Delhi.
- Weather Impact: The intense heat has damaged the onion crop in Madhya Pradesh, leading to a decrease in supply and an increase in prices. Currently, Delhi is receiving onions from Phalodi in Rajasthan and Pune in Maharashtra, but not from Nashik.
Future Outlook:
- Price Projections: If the current trend continues, onion prices could reach ₹100 per kg by July-August.
- Government Intervention: Due to the Lok Sabha elections, the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) could not purchase onions in May when prices were low. Immediate purchase of onions by the government could provide some relief to consumers.
Key Takeaways:
- Onion prices in Delhi NCR have surged by 50% over the past week.
- Current retail prices have reached ₹50 per kg.
- Potato prices have also increased, reaching up to ₹45 per kg for certain varieties.
- The upcoming Eid-al-Adha festival and damaged crops in Madhya Pradesh have contributed to the price rise.
- Onion prices could reach ₹100 per kg by July-August if the current trend continues.
Important Information in Short:
| Item | Price (May 25) | Price (June 9) | Price (June 11) | Projected Price (July-August) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onion (Retail) | ₹25-₹30 per kg | ₹35-₹40 per kg | ₹50 per kg | ₹100 per kg |
| Potato (Ordinary) | ₹30 per kg | ₹35-₹40 per kg | ₹35-₹40 per kg | – |
| Chipsona/Hill Potato | ₹40 per kg | ₹45 per kg | ₹45 per kg | – |
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