Centre sells 4,000 tonnes of buffer onions in 17 cities to curb retail prices
The government has released nearly 4,000 tonnes of buffer onions over 10 days through NCCF, NAFED and Kanda Express, selling at Rs 35 per kg. The intervention has reportedly lowered prices by Rs 2–3 per kg in some markets, with kharif arrivals expected from mid-October.
What happened
Government of India · The Centre released nearly 4,000 tonnes of buffer onions in 17 cities to cool retail prices, using truck shipments and Kanda Express rail
Key facts
- 4,000 tonnes sold across 17 cities in 10 days
- 1.21 lakh-tonne onion reserve for 2026
- Rs 35 per kg subsidised sale price
- 1,500 tonnes sold by NCCF
- Rs 2-3 per kg price decline in some markets
- All-India average retail price: Rs 50.79 per kg on September 5, versus Rs 48.50 per kg on August 28
- New kharif crop expected from mid-October
Why this matters
The rollout through NCCF, NAFED and Kanda Express underscores the strategic value of partnerships and last-mile distribution capabilities that can rapidly move essential commodities during price shocks.