New Delhi: Onion prices have risen sharply across several parts of India ahead of the festive season, adding further pressure on household budgets already affected by higher sugar prices.
The average retail price of onions has climbed to around Rs 40.72 per kg. In major cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Kolkata, consumers are paying Rs 50-60 per kg.
Prices nearly double in Bhubaneswar
According to PTI, onion prices in Bhubaneswar have jumped from Rs 25-30 per kg to Rs 55-60 per kg.
Retailers said prices nearly doubled within just two days, putting additional pressure on household expenses.
Prices rise sharply in one month
At Maharashtra's Lasalgaon market, one of Asia's largest onion markets, wholesale prices have increased by around 30-42% in just one week.
The average retail onion price stood at Rs 40.79 per kg on August 21, compared with Rs 34.87 on July 21. This represents an increase of nearly 17% in a month.
On August 21, 2025, the average retail price was Rs 28.72 per kg. This means prices have risen by more than 42 percent in a year.
Onion prices in major cities
In Delhi-NCR, onions are selling at around Rs 50-55 per kg, while prices in Mumbai are Rs 52-58.
Consumers in Kolkata are paying Rs 55-60 per kg, while prices are Rs 48-54 in Chennai.
Onions are selling at around Rs 45-52 per kg in Bengaluru and Rs 48-55 in Patna.
Why are onion prices rising?
Wholesale onion prices at Lasalgaon have climbed to Rs 3,195-3,600 per quintal, equivalent to around Rs 32-36 per kg.
At Delhi's Azadpur mandi, good-quality onions are reportedly trading above Rs 45-50 per kg.
Delayed sowing has slowed the arrival of the new kharif onion crop. At the same time, festive-season demand has increased, widening the demand-supply gap.
Reports suggest the government is planning to release onions from its buffer stock into markets from September to provide relief to consumers.
