{
  "id": 3736259,
  "title": "Centre steps in with Rs 35/kg onion sale",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/centre-steps-in-with-rs-35-kg-onion-sale",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-27T12:18:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/centre-starts-onion-sale-in-capital-at-rs-35/kg-44-below-market-price/articleshow/133568108.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indian Centre initiated retail sales of onions from its buffer stock in the capital city at a rate of Rs 35 per kg on Thursday, providing consumers with a 44% discount from the current market price of Rs 62 per kg. This move aims to offer relief to consumers and curb prices prior to the festive season. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare explained that the recent surge in onion prices was triggered by black marketing, hoarding, and profiteering, while emphasizing that the nation possesses sufficient supplies to cater to domestic demand throughout the festive period.\n\nKhare clarified that the government was not contemplating a ban on onion exports, as there were no supply concerns. During the period from April to June 2026, India exported around 3.82 lakh tonnes of onions. She inaugurated the retail sales process by dispatching several small trucks laden with onions, marking the commencement of government buffer stock sales in the Capital.\n\nThese onions will be distributed through three channels — Nafed, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. Additionally, Mother Dairy will retail the onions via its Safal stores. To enhance the supply to Delhi, the government is transporting bulk consignments via dedicated railway rakes named Kanda Express. The first such rake, carrying 800 tonnes of onions, departed from Nashik and is anticipated to arrive in Delhi on Thursday.\n\nOn Wednesday, the Department of Consumer Affairs stated that onion availability is adequate to meet domestic demand in the upcoming months. The production of onions is projected to be 307.37 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, slightly lower than the previous year's 307.67 lakh tonnes. The government has procured approximately 1.21 lakh tonnes of onions for its buffer stock, with the Central Warehousing Corporation being engaged as a storage agency for the onion buffer during 2026-27 for the first time. The department is diligently monitoring onion prices, arrivals, and availability across states and is prepared to take additional steps if necessary to ensure adequate supplies and prevent unjustified price hikes. It further noted that onion prices usually surge during the festive season due to heightened demand and supply-chain factors. Consequently, with the arrival of the festive season, including Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and the wedding season, onion prices typically experience a seasonal increase due to higher demand and supply-chain factors.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}