Government Sells 4,000 Tonnes of Buffer Onions Across 17 Cities to Control Prices

The government has sold around 4,000 tonnes of onions from its buffer stock in 17 cities over the first 10 days of its subsidised retail sale, as per news reports. The onions are being sold at ₹35 per kg to help bring down prices. 

The Centre has kept 1.21 lakh tonnes of onions as buffer stock for 2026. NCCF and Nafed are moving these onions from producing states to cities where prices are higher. 

Onions Being Sent to Major Cities 

The onions are being moved by trucks as well as a special rail service called the “Kanda Express”. The first consignments have reached Delhi and Chennai, while another trainload is being prepared for Guwahati. 

NCCF has sold around 1,500 tonnes on its own so far. The federation is also working with state governments to sell the onions through stores, mobile vans and cooperative societies. 

Prices See Some Relief 

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said the government’s sales have brought some relief, and onion prices have come down slightly. 

However, the average retail price across India was ₹50.79 per kg, compared with ₹48.50 per kg when the subsidised sale started on August 28. On September 5, onion prices stood at ₹58 per kg in Delhi, ₹53 in Mumbai, ₹63 in Chennai and ₹40 in Ranchi. 

New Crop May Improve Supply 

Officials said the rabi onion crop suffered some damage during harvesting because of untimely rain. 

The new kharif crop is expected to start reaching markets in the middle of October 2026. As per the report, the new arrivals could ease the pressure on onion supplies and prices. 

Read More: SBI, IFCI, GIC, and Bank of Baroda Share Price in Focus Post SEBI Nod to NSE IPO! 

Conclusion 

The government has sold around 4,000 tonnes of buffer onions across 17 cities at ₹35 per kg. NCCF and Nafed are continuing to move stocks to major markets, while the new kharif crop is expected to start arriving from mid-October. 

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