Onion prices in the Delhi-NCR region have witnessed a staggering surge, posing concerns for consumers and sellers alike. Just a fortnight ago, the vegetable was priced at Rs 40 per kilogram, but now it hovers around Rs 60, with projections indicating it may touch Rs 100 in early November. The increase is attributed to delayed arrivals of harvests from major onion-producing states, such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, leading to supply shortages and escalating costs.

This sudden escalation in onion prices comes as an unexpected blow, catching both buyers and sellers off guard. The rapid increase has left consumers grappling with rising kitchen expenses, with prices now fluctuating daily. Notably, other states, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, have also been affected, with Bengaluru witnessing a price hike of over 50% for this essential kitchen staple due to lower production caused by irregular rains and drought.

The Department of Consumer Affairs reports a significant increase in the average wholesale price of onions, soaring from Rs 2,506.62 per quintal on October 1 to Rs 3,112.6 per quintal on October 26. This drastic jump is attributed to a supply shortage, which is driving rates upward.

The situation is expected to persist throughout November, with a potential cooling down in December when the new kharif crop arrives, albeit delayed. To mitigate the crisis, the government took steps to bolster onion supplies, procuring 2 lakh tonnes in August 2023 and increasing the buffer stock to 5 lakh tonnes this year. Government-led initiatives aimed to stabilize prices include selling onions at a retail cost of Rs 25 per kilogram.

As consumers grapple with rising onion prices, the focus now turns to the anticipated arrival of the new crop in December, offering hope for relief in the months ahead.

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