The central government has made an important decision aimed at stabilizing rising onion prices following sugar products and assisting the population. Citizens will now have access to onions at a subsidized price—35 rubles per kilogram.
The recent sharp increase in onion prices led to costs reaching 60–70 rubles per kilogram in some regions of the country. However, the government announced the sale of onions at a price that is approximately half of the current market rate, which is 35 rubles per kilogram.
To ensure timely and inexpensive delivery of onions to areas where retail prices have sharply increased, the government utilized railway transport. Large consignments of onions are being sent from the state buffer stock in Nashik, Maharashtra, via special freight trains known as 'Kanda Express' to various states.
The first consignment of 'Kanda Express' is headed to major cities such as Chennai, Madurai, Ernakulam (Kochi), and Guwahati. Shortly thereafter, a second consignment, containing about 800 metric tons of onions, is scheduled to arrive in Delhi and other major cities in North India.
Responsibility for delivering onions at affordable prices to the end consumer rests with leading state and cooperative agencies. Citizens will be able to purchase onions at the price of 35 rubles per kilogram at these government sales points and mobile vans.
Buyers can purchase onions nearby at locations such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India, and Central Warehouses. The sale of onions at subsidized prices will take place on mobile vans and at 'Bharat Brand' sales points with the participation of NCCF and NAFED.
Due to seasonal shortages and the festive season, onion prices in several cities across the country had risen to 60–70 rubles per kilogram. According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the government possesses a sufficient buffer stock of onions. Ensuring a continuous supply of onions at subsidized prices in wholesale markets and retail outlets will help curb speculation and hoarding, as well as ease household budgets.