Onion Prices Soar In Telangana, Centre Rolls Out Kanda Express
Just two months ago, vendors used to sell 6 kgs of red onion for Rs. 100 from vehicles. The red onion, which was Rs. 20 per kg, has suddenly shot up, leaving consumers shocked.
Hyderabad: A staple in every Indian kitchen, the humble onion is relished by all - but its soaring price is now leaving consumers in tears. Currently, the price of white onion has touched nearly Rs. 100 per kg, while red onion is being sold at Rs. 60 to Rs. 70 per kg. Common people are finding it difficult to buy onions.
Just two months ago, vendors used to sell 6 kgs of red onion for Rs. 100 from vehicles. The red onion, which was Rs. 20 per kg, has suddenly shot up, leaving consumers shocked. Housewives, vendors and hotels are raising concerns and have already reduced the use of the onions, looking at the rates.
Generally, onions are imported from Maharashtra. But due to lack of rains and crop failure there, imports have decreased, leading to the price hike. Meanwhile, officials said onion prices generally show seasonal uptick and volatility from August-September onwards owing to the festive season, weather conditions, supply-chain movements and demand.
The government said it is continuously monitoring prices and is releasing onions from buffer stock in a calibrated manner based on market conditions. Initiatives like 'Kanda Express' - bulk transportation by rail - are being used to improve supply.
During 2024-25, nearly 12,000 MT of onions were moved via 14 railway rakes to 5 cities. In 2025-26, it expanded to 86 rakes carrying 88,000 MT to 16 major cities. This year, transportation from Nashik to key consumption centres started from August 24. The government said it will undertake further interventions wherever required to control undue price volatility.
