Rising onion prices amid crop damage and increased demand

Hubli
Due to crop damage and heavy rains during the Shravan festival, prices of flowers, fruits, nuts, leaves, and other puja items remain normal. However, onion prices, which are essential for daily cooking and worship, have increased significantly. Customers are now paying high prices for onions, causing financial strain.
In Hubli and nearby areas, onions are currently sold for between Rs 50 and Rs 80 per kilogram. This increase is attributed to the usual drop in onion crop during the rainy season, coupled with high festival demand. Small traders are charging higher prices than normal, as noted by local traders. The new onion crop is expected in one and a half to two months, and prices may rise to Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kilogram in the interim.
Recent rains in Pune, Maharashtra, and Karnal, Andhra Pradesh, have damaged the harvested onion crop, reducing the availability of good quality onions. Despite the lower supply, demand has increased, leading to higher prices.
Earlier this year, the central government permitted onion exports due to lower prices. This move might have contributed to the current price increase. Concerns have been raised about the impact on poor and middle-class consumers, who are calling for government action to control rising prices.