Onion Prices Climb 59 Percent; Government Ramps Up Kanda Express Supplies

New Delhi, August 24, 2026. Onion prices have risen 59 percent year-on-year, with the all-India average retail price standing at Rs 43.53 per kilogram on Monday, according to data maintained by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

A year earlier the same average was Rs 27.37 per kg. The government has responded by stepping up the Kanda Express programme, special trains that move onion stocks from producing regions to markets facing shortages.

The price spike reflects a combination of lower arrivals in key wholesale markets and seasonal demand. Major producing states have seen fluctuating output, and traders report tighter supplies in northern and eastern markets.

Officials said additional rakes have been arranged to move onions from Maharashtra and other surplus zones. Buffer stocks released earlier in the season are also being drawn down to moderate retail prices.

Consumers in urban centres have felt the increase most sharply. Vegetable prices overall remain elevated, with onions among the more visible items in household budgets.

The government continues to monitor arrivals and prices daily. Further measures, including possible import facilitation or additional buffer releases, remain under consideration if the upward trend persists.

For growers, higher prices offer temporary relief after periods of low realisation. For the Centre, the priority remains stabilising the retail market ahead of the festive season.