Bhubaneswar: Onion prices have surged sharply in Bhubaneswar, climbing from around ₹30 per kg to as high as ₹40-45 per kg within two days, adding to the burden of consumers already grappling with rising prices of essential commodities.
The sudden spike has forced many households to reduce purchases, with several consumers opting to buy only half a kilogram instead of their usual quantity. Onions are a staple ingredient in daily cooking, making the price rise a major concern for households.
Retail traders attributed the increase to higher procurement and transportation costs. They said onions are currently being sourced from cold storage as fresh arrivals are yet to enter the market. According to traders, wholesale prices are around ₹33 per kg, with transportation and sorting costs adding another ₹6 per kg due to spoilage in consignments, leaving retailers with only a marginal profit.
Traders also said onion prices typically remain elevated during this period before the new harvest reaches markets. They added that higher fuel prices have increased transportation costs, and warned that prices could rise further in the coming days if supplies remain tight.
President of Kuberi Puri Mahasangha at Patrapada said onion harvesting has not yet commenced and claimed that unseasonal rains had damaged nearly 20 per cent of the crop in major producing regions such as Nashik and Indore. He said onions are currently available in Gujarat’s Ahmednagar wholesale markets at high price.
