A new measure has been taken by the government to address the issue of rising prices of onions in the national capital. As announced on Thursday, retail sales of onions commenced in Delhi at Rs. 35 per kg. The reduction in prices of onions is up to 44%, which is below the current market price of Rs. 62 per kg. This decision has been made as part of the government’s relief measures for the common man.

This time, the government has decided to sell onions through its buffer stock. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said that there is an increase in prices due to black marketing, hoarding, and profiteering. At the same time, she added that there is enough supply of onions in the country to meet the demands during the festive season. Besides, Kharge also revealed that the government is not thinking about banning export of onions. This is due to the reason that there are no supply problems. Onion exports between April and June 2026 stood at about 3.82 lakh tonnes. Secretary Nidhi Kharge flagged off several small trucks carrying onions, marking the retail sale of buffer onion stocks.

Retail sales will be conducted through three agencies: NAFED, NCCF, and Central Warehouse. Mother Dairy will also sell onions through its Safal stores. To expedite supply, the government is sending large quantities of onions to the capital via a dedicated railway rake called the Kanda Express. The first rake, carrying 800 tonnes of onions, has departed from Nashik for Delhi and is expected to arrive on Thursday. The Department of Consumer Affairs stated on Wednesday that onion availability is comfortable enough to meet domestic demand in the coming months.

Onion production is estimated at 307.37 lakh tonnes in 2025-26. This is slightly lower than last year's 307.67 lakh tonnes. The department stated that strong production and availability of buffer stocks are likely. Active market intervention will ensure adequate supply in the coming months. This is also expected to contain seasonal price pressures. The government has purchased approximately 1.21 lakh tonnes of onions for buffer stocks.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring onion prices across states to protect the interests of consumers and farmers. It is also closely monitoring arrivals and availability. The department stated that further steps will be taken to ensure adequate supply if necessary. Measures will also be taken to prevent unreasonable price increases. With the onset of the festive season, including Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and the wedding season, onion prices typically see a seasonal increase. For the first time, the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) has been appointed as the storage agency for the onion buffer for 2026-27.

A new measure has been taken by the government to address the issue of rising prices of onions in the national capital. As announced on Thursday, retail sales of onions commenced in Delhi at Rs. 35 per kg. The reduction in prices of onions is up to 44%, which is below the current market price of Rs. 62 per kg. This decision has been made as part of the government’s relief measures for the common man.

This time, the government has decided to sell onions through its buffer stock. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said that there is an increase in prices due to black marketing, hoarding, and profiteering. At the same time, she added that there is enough supply of onions in the country to meet the demands during the festive season. Besides, Kharge also revealed that the government is not thinking about banning export of onions. This is due to the reason that there are no supply problems. Onion exports between April and June 2026 stood at about 3.82 lakh tonnes. Secretary Nidhi Kharge flagged off several small trucks carrying onions, marking the retail sale of buffer onion stocks.

Retail sales will be conducted through three agencies: NAFED, NCCF, and Central Warehouse. Mother Dairy will also sell onions through its Safal stores. To expedite supply, the government is sending large quantities of onions to the capital via a dedicated railway rake called the Kanda Express. The first rake, carrying 800 tonnes of onions, has departed from Nashik for Delhi and is expected to arrive on Thursday. The Department of Consumer Affairs stated on Wednesday that onion availability is comfortable enough to meet domestic demand in the coming months.

Onion production is estimated at 307.37 lakh tonnes in 2025-26. This is slightly lower than last year's 307.67 lakh tonnes. The department stated that strong production and availability of buffer stocks are likely. Active market intervention will ensure adequate supply in the coming months. This is also expected to contain seasonal price pressures. The government has purchased approximately 1.21 lakh tonnes of onions for buffer stocks.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring onion prices across states to protect the interests of consumers and farmers. It is also closely monitoring arrivals and availability. The department stated that further steps will be taken to ensure adequate supply if necessary. Measures will also be taken to prevent unreasonable price increases. With the onset of the festive season, including Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and the wedding season, onion prices typically see a seasonal increase. For the first time, the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) has been appointed as the storage agency for the onion buffer for 2026-27.