Onions may get cheaper in Delhi as Nafed told to boost supply, Mother Dairy to cut price

In a bid to curb rising onion prices, the Centre on Friday directed Nafed to increase supply in Delhi and Mother Dairy to cut the price by Rs 2 per kg in all its Safal outlets.

The decision to reduce onion price was taken in a high-level meeting called to review the price and supply situation in the market. The meeting was headed by Consumer Secretary Avinash K Srivastava.

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“Arrivals of kharif crop is expected to increase significantly within a week. This would improve availability in consuming areas, thereby, helping moderate prices,” the ministry said in a statement.

Following the review meeting, the implementing agency Nafed has been directed to increase onion supplies in Delhi from the buffer stock under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) by two-three times more from the current level.

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A buffer stock of onion has been created by the Centre using the PSF to offload it in the market in times of tight supply and contain price rise.

Mother Dairy has also been asked to reduce the prices of onion by Rs 2 per kg on all variants.

“Mother Dairy agreed to reduce the rates from Rs 25.90 to Rs 23.90 for the loose variant and from Rs 27.90 to Rs 25.90 for the packed variant at all its stores in Delhi,” the ministry said.

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The move is expected to boost supply of onions in the market and reduce the prices. According to the trade date, the prevailing retail onion prices in the national capital range between Rs 30-40 per kg.

The government assured several committees will constantly review the onion supply and price situation and take appropriate and immediate interventions.