New Delhi, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Centre on Thursday ruled out any shortage of onions in the country as it began retail sales at Rs 35 per kg from its price stabilisation buffer to provide relief to consumers amid concerns over rising prices.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare flagged off the distribution campaign from Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Initially, onions will be sold at the subsidised rate through outlets and mobile vans operated by the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and Kendriya Bhandars.
Khare said the government intervenes in the retail market whenever onion prices rise sharply to protect consumers from sudden increases.
“There is neither any shortage in onion production nor in its availability across the country,” she said.
The Consumer Affairs Secretary also said onion exports this year were almost at the same level as last year. She added that the government would continue to intervene periodically to keep prices under control and provide relief to consumers.
NAFED Managing Director Deepak Agarwal told IANS that mobile van sales had started at 40 locations across Delhi. Consumers will also be able to purchase onions through NAFED and NCCF outlets, e-commerce platforms and organised retail chains.
Agarwal said discussions were underway with the Delhi government to make onions available at Rs 35 per kg through Public Distribution System (PDS) shops. If implemented, the proposal could extend the benefit to a larger number of consumers.
NCCF Managing Director Anice Joseph Chandra said the cooperative began retail sales at its centres immediately after the campaign was launched.
“Consumers can purchase onions at Rs 35 per kg from NCCF outlets, particularly those located near metro stations,” she said.
Chandra added that the retail network would be expanded in the coming days to ensure that affordable onions are made available to more consumers.
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