While the recent prices of sugar have contributed to a decrease in sweets during holidays, onion prices were causing distress to people. There was a sharp rise in onion prices across the country. In response, the government began distributing buffer stocks of onions in major cities through the 'Kanda Express' program. According to the latest data, a total of 4000 tons of buffer stock onions were sold in just 10 days.
According to a statement provided by Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, the government initiated the subsidized sale of onions to curb exorbitant prices. The onions withdrawn from buffer stocks were delivered to 17 cities within the first ten days, and approximately 4000 tons of buffer onions were sold. It is worth noting that the central government has accumulated a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tons of onions for 2026 through its agencies, NCCF and NAFED.
The buffer stock was released to control rising onion prices through NCCF and NAFED. As part of the plan, onions are transported in bulk from production regions to consumption centers either by a special train called 'Kanda Express' or by trucks. In price-sensitive selected cities, onions from the buffer stock are sold at a subsidized rate of 35 rupees per kilogram.
The Secretary reported that a significant quantity of goods has already arrived in Delhi and Chennai via 'Kanda Express', and cargo for dispatch to Guwahati is being loaded into the third consignment in the coming days. He noted that the distribution of onions from buffer stocks has provided some relief to consumers, and a slight decrease in prices has been recorded.
According to the report, NCCF Director Anis Joseph Chandra stated that the Fund has already sold 1500 tons of buffer onions in various cities across the country at a price of 35 rupees per kilogram. Furthermore, agreements have been reached for sales through other channels such as shops, mobile vans, cooperatives, and local authorities in some states.
Data presented by the Department of Consumer Affairs clearly shows that while the sale of onions from buffer stocks led to a reduction in the national retail price of onions, it dropped from 50.79 rupees per kilogram to 48.5 rupees per kilogram on August 28 compared to pre-release prices. However, looking at onion prices across all cities in the country on September 5, the price in Delhi was 58 rupees per kilogram, in Mumbai it was 53 rupees per kilogram, in Chennai it was 63 rupees per kilogram, and in Ranchi it was 40 rupees per kilogram, with the average wholesale price being 42.79 rupees per kilogram.