In an effort to stabilize onion prices in major cities, the Indian government has sent its fifth bulk shipment of 720 tons of buffer onions to Delhi. This shipment, which is part of the government’s market intervention strategy, left Nashik on November 20 and is expected to arrive in the national capital today. The onions are being transported from Maharashtra to Delhi via railways.
The move comes after the government had already dispatched 4,010 tons of onions to Delhi over the past month to ensure a steady supply. These onions were made available to the public at an affordable price of ₹35 per kilogram (approximately $0.42). The government hopes that the addition of 720 tons in this shipment will help reinforce price stability in the Delhi-NCR region, where onion prices have been fluctuating recently.
According to an official statement, the buffer onions will be distributed through major retail outlets such as Mother Dairy, NCCF, and Nafed. These organizations will help ensure that the onions are available to consumers at a reasonable cost, preventing any sharp rises in prices that could affect the general public.
The government’s efforts to stabilize onion prices are not limited to Delhi. It has also focused on markets in Chennai and Guwahati, where prices have been rising, and plans to send additional shipments to Lucknow to further curb price increases.
As part of its long-term strategy, the Indian government has accumulated a buffer stock of 517,000 tons of onions this year, with 150,000 tons already released into the market. The aim is to ensure a consistent supply of onions during times of demand fluctuation and prevent sharp price hikes, which can affect both consumers and businesses.
By taking these steps, the government is hoping to maintain price stability and make onions more affordable for households across the country.