Click to play videoNew Delhi: Heavy showers lash Maharashtra but aam admi across India is shedding tears with onions prices skyrocketing after rain affected standing crops in the state.
At nearly three times the normal rate, while the retail price of onions has gone up to Rs 24 a kilo in Mumbai, in the Capital it is marginally cheaper at Rs 20 per kilo.
However, there are indications that the price may go up further in the coming days.
Although wholesalers say there are a number of reasons for the sudden rise in the prices, market observers blame it on hoarding.
Wholesale prices of 10-kilo onion have touched Rs 190 from Rs 150 a few weeks ago.
"Onion prices are expected to remain high till the new crop arrives in the market," PTI quoted Agricultural Produce Marketing Corporation (APMC) Director Ashok Valuj as saying.
Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has already ruled out the possibility of importing onions as it is not economical.
But a sliver of hope remains. The kharif crop of onions from Rajasthan is expected to arrive in the market by October 15 that may help bring prices down a notch, said NAFED Managing Director Alok Ranjan, speaking to media on sidelines of the cooperative's AGM.
Onion production is expected to be 15-20 per cent higher in the current season, he added.
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