Retail onion price up 57 pc; Centre steps up buffer onion sale to provide relief to consumers

The Indian government has decided to increase the sale of buffer onions at a subsidized rate of Rs 25 per kg in retail markets to alleviate the rising prices. The average retail price of onions has increased by 57% to Rs 47 per kg. The government has been offloading buffer onions since mid-August and plans to step up retail sales to stabilize prices. Delayed kharif onion sowing and a tight supply situation have contributed to the price increase. The government has also doubled the buffer onion stock for the current year.