Onion prices have risen sharply across several parts of India ahead of the festive season, putting additional 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 between Rs 50 and Rs 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, adding to household expenses.
Onion 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 per kg on July 21, marking an increase of nearly 17% in a month.
On August 21, 2025, the average retail price was Rs 28.72 per kg. This means onion prices have increased by more than 42% over the past year.
Onion prices in major cities
In Delhi-NCR, onions are selling at around Rs 50-55 per kg, while prices in Mumbai range between Rs 52 and Rs 58 per kg.
Consumers in Kolkata are paying around Rs 55-60 per kg, while prices in Chennai stand at Rs 48-54 per kg.
In Bengaluru, onions are selling at around Rs 45-52 per kg, while prices in Patna range between Rs 48 and Rs 55 per kg.
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.
One of the key reasons for the rise is delayed sowing, which has slowed the arrival of the new kharif onion crop. At the same time, demand has increased ahead of the festive season, further widening the gap between supply and demand.
Reports suggest that the government is planning to release onions from its buffer stock from September to increase market supply and provide relief to consumers.
If implemented, the move could help ease prices in the coming weeks, particularly as festive-season demand remains elevated.
