‘Stable’ Onion Prices Still Out Of Common Man’s Reach

Bhubaneswar: After pinching the pocket of common man, onion prices remained stable in several retail markets in Odisha. However, onion is still out of the reach of common man as its price is still hovers between Rs 120 and Rs 140 a kilo mark in several parts of the State.

According to sources, fresh onion stocks from Nasik have started to arrive at Cuttack's Chhatra Bazar, the largest wholesale and retail vegetable market in the State. Onion is now being sold at Rs 120 per kg at the market, informed Debendranath Sahu, secretary of Chhatra Bazaar Traders’ Association on Monday.

“There has been no hike in the prices of onion which is gradually becoming stable after fresh crops from Nasik began to arrive. Today, onion is sold at Rs 120 per kg while its wholesale price is between Rs 100 and Rs 110. There is no need for the consumers to be panic.”

Asked if there is any possibility of further hike in the onion prices, Sahu said, “The onion price will not rise further from the current rate. Once the supply of fresh onion crops in large quantities start arriving, the prices will drop further. We expect the onion price will become stable by January 10.”

“Now we are selling onion at Rs 120 per kg. If onion is supplied from Nasik in adequate quantity, the price will drop automatically. However, the onion crisis will continue if Nashik receives rainfall or the supply is disrupted,” said a trader.

“The prices have marginally dropped. However, it will be good for the common man if the price is brought down to Rs 30 and Rs 40 per kg. Now the prices are equal to the prices of fish and chicken,” said a customer.

The marginal drop in the onion prices came as a big relief as the kitchen essential had touched a whopping Rs 180 per kg in several parts of Odisha last week, making it out of reach of the common man.