India pushes 4,000 tonnes of buffer onions to 17 cities to ease price surge

New Delhi has moved roughly 4,000 tonnes of buffer‑stock onions across 17 cities in the past ten days, pricing the produce at ₹35 per kilogram. The effort, announced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aims to bring down the steep retail rates that have been unsettling households, The Hindu reported.

The sale follows an earlier phase in which the same price was offered in 12 cities. By widening the geographic reach, officials hope to increase supply in regional markets where prices have spiked above ₹150 per kilogram in recent weeks. The government’s onion buffer‑stock scheme, launched in 2015, permits the purchase of excess harvests during bumper seasons and their release when market conditions tighten.

Onion prices in India have a history of volatility, often reacting sharply to monsoon failures, logistics bottlenecks, and sudden demand surges ahead of festivals. A sharp rise in late 2022 saw retail rates double within a month, prompting the centre to intervene with emergency sales and import duties adjustments. Such fluctuations disproportionately affect low‑income families, for whom onions are a staple ingredient.

The current intervention is part of a broader strategy that includes monitoring wholesale rates, coordinating with state governments, and, if necessary, importing onions from neighboring countries. While the buffer‑stock release can provide short‑term relief, analysts note that long‑term stability hinges on improving storage infrastructure, modernising supply chains, and encouraging diversified crop patterns among farmers.

Consumer groups have welcomed the move, noting that a steady supply at a predictable price can help curb speculative hoarding. However, they also caution that sustained price control will require consistent policy actions beyond ad‑hoc sales. The government has indicated that the buffer‑stock will be replenished once market prices stabilize, ensuring a reserve for future contingencies.