At wholesale markets, onion price has jumped from Rs15-20 to Rs 30-45 per kg. PUNE: Residents are feeling the pinch as the price of onion has recently doubled, with its retail cost soaring to Rs80-90 per kg from the earlier Rs40-50. The steep price rise has been attributed to a severe supply shortage in wholesale markets.
Vilas Bhujbal, a commissioning agent at Market Yard, said the crisis stems from substantial crop damage during the heavy rainfall in September-October. "Heavy rainfall during September-October destroyed a significant portion of the onion crop. We are facing a classic high demand-low supply situation.
The quantity of the first batch of seasonal supply is depleting, while the new supply is in limited numbers," he said. The crisis extends beyond the state. "Usually, we rely on supplies from other states to stabilise the price, but importing onions from other states is not a viable solution as similar conditions prevail across the country.
The widespread nature of the problem has created a nationwide supply shortage," Bhujbal added. At wholesale markets, onion price has jumped from Rs15-20 to Rs 30-45 per kg. Consumers will likely have to continue paying a premium price for this kitchen staple until December-January when the fresh harvest is expected to reach wholesale markets.
Until then, online and offline retailers are expected to maintain higher price due to supply constraints in the wholesale market. The price surge has led to an increased vigilance among r.
