Onion prices remain high despite govt assurance

Onion prices continued to make Delhiites cry despite the Delhi government promising to take action by checking the price rise.

Onion prices continued to make Delhiites cry despite the Delhi government promising to take action by checking the price rise.

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Members of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) said the rising price is not likely to see a decline anytime soon.

“Supply of onions has been hit drastically this winter. This is because the poor weather conditions have not just affected the produce, but inter-state supply has also been hit. Even though the government has given assurances of controlling the price, it is not likely to happen soon,” said Anil Malhotra, member, APMC.

While Safal outlets in the Capital have set the price at Rs 35 per kilo, retailers are charging anything between R35-45. Just a fortnight ago, onion prices stood at Rs 22 per kilo.

“Onions are used for nearly everything and it has become difficult to manage household finances because of the escalating prices. The government needs to intervene,” said Amita Mehra, a resident of Lajpat Nagar.

Retailers in the city maintained that prices in the wholesale markets were the deciding factor.

“Prices are decided by wholesale dealers but most probably it’s the dwindling supply that is causing the price rise. Since wholesale prices have also gone up, we are forced to sell it an even higher price,” said a retailer in Kailash Colony.