Photo Source: ANI
Onion prices fall across 126 cities as fresh Kharif crop hits markets
Babushahi Bureau/PIB
New Delhi, October 8, 2026: Onion prices have started easing across the country as fresh Kharif crop arrivals increase, with retail prices declining by ₹1 to ₹21 per kg in 126 cities over the past two weeks, according to the Union government.
The improving supply situation could offer relief to consumers ahead of the festive season, with fresh onions arriving from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. The government expects supplies to increase further in the coming weeks.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, all-India Kharif onion acreage is estimated to be around 5 per cent higher than last year’s level, while favourable crop conditions are supporting production prospects.
Maharashtra mandi prices fall nearly 13%
The increase in arrivals has also brought down wholesale prices in Maharashtra, a major onion-producing state. The weighted average mandi price fell nearly 13 per cent, from around ₹4,030 per quintal on September 16 to approximately ₹3,475 per quintal on October 3.
The government said the decline in retail prices has been recorded across several states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
Government steps up buffer stock supplies
To improve availability in major consumption centres, the government has expanded the distribution of onions from its buffer stocks.
More than 2 lakh quintals of onions have been supplied through eight Kanda Express trains and 467 trucks across 123 cities, according to the official release. Additional rail movements are also being planned to speed up deliveries to high-consumption markets.
The government said fresh Kharif arrivals, existing stocks and the continued release of buffer onions would help maintain adequate supplies during the festive season.
However, the pace of further price reductions will depend on market arrivals, crop conditions and the movement of supplies to consuming centres in the coming weeks.