Onion prices have increased again at Chennai`s Koyambedu wholesale market, with premium-quality Nashik onions reaching ₹60 per kg. The price has risen from ₹46 per kg on October 20, putting pressure on household budgets ahead of Deepavali.
Onion prices have fluctuated significantly over the past few months. First-grade Nashik onions were sold at ₹35 per kg on August 7, rising to ₹50 on August 23 and reaching ₹60 on September 22. Prices subsequently declined to ₹46 on October 20 before climbing again.
Onion Prices at Koyambedu Market
The latest wholesale prices for different onion varieties are as follows:
Premium Nashik onions: ₹60 per kg
Small Andhra onions: ₹36 per kg
Large Andhra onions: ₹42 per kg
Small Karnataka onions: ₹38 per kg
Large Karnataka onions: ₹60 per kg
Small Nashik onions: ₹40 per kg
Why Are Onion Prices Increasing in Chennai?
According to Koyambedu wholesale onion trader Raghunath, onion arrivals declined because farmers in northern states supplied insufficient quantities during the Navaratri festival. The reduced supply contributed to the latest price increase.
Traders expect arrivals to improve as suppliers from northern states clear their existing stocks ahead of Deepavali. If supplies increase, wholesale prices could ease slightly from Monday or Tuesday.
However, higher demand ahead of Deepavali on November 8 could push prices up again during the first week of November.
Tamil Nadu Government`s Measures to Control Onion Prices
The Tamil Nadu government has been procuring onions from Nashik through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers` Federation (NCCF).
These onions are being sold at ₹35 per kg through urban ration shops, with a limit of one kg per ration card, to help consumers access onions at affordable prices.
Chennai Retail Onion Prices
The increase in wholesale prices has also affected retail markets across Chennai. Onions are currently being sold at around ₹60 to ₹80 per kg in retail outlets.
Fresh onion harvesting is expected after Deepavali, which could improve market arrivals and help bring prices down.
Consumers are advised to compare prices at local markets before purchasing onions in bulk.