Onion prices have increased sharply in recent days. Consequently, household budgets are facing pressure due to rising kitchen expenses. The increase comes from weather challenges and changing market conditions.
Over the past year, onion retail prices have shown a major rise. Government data also highlights this sharp increase. Therefore, the latest figures explain why onion prices remain a concern.
Government Data Shows Major Price Increase
Recently, the Consumer Ministry released onion price figures. According to the data, wholesale onion prices reached ₹4,615.98 per quintal on 21 September.
Meanwhile, the price stood at ₹3,299.85 per quintal one year earlier. Therefore, wholesale onion prices increased by around 135% during this period.
The data indicates that wholesale inflation remained higher than retail inflation throughout the year. Hence, the supply chain faced stronger price pressure.
September And October Witness The Biggest Jump
Usually, onion prices remain stable for several months. However, September and October often bring the biggest rise.
After staying calm for nearly ten months, prices start climbing during these two months. Furthermore, average onion prices increased from ₹40.79 per kilogram one month earlier.
By 21 September 2026, the average price reached ₹54.23 per kilogram. This rise shows the seasonal pressure on onion availability.
Weather Damage And Supply Issues Push Prices Higher
The biggest reason behind rising onion prices remains summer heat and unseasonal rainfall. These conditions damaged onion crops in Maharashtra.
Additionally, government agencies lost around 30% of stored onions due to spoilage. The market also faces higher competition because Bangladesh now produces onions.
As a result, changing supply patterns have influenced market prices. Therefore, weather and availability continue affecting onion rates.
Crop Cycle Creates September-October Price Pressure
The rise during September and October happens due to two major reasons. First, onion arrivals in markets change during this period.
Second, the crop cycle creates a supply gap. Rabi onions arrive from March-April and their stock continues until the next kharif crop.
However, by September and October, stored onions approach exhaustion. Therefore, reduced availability pushes prices upward during these months.
