What Happened
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has initiated a calibrated market intervention to ensure the availability of onions at affordable prices. As part of this measure, buffer onions are being sold at ₹35 per kilogram in Delhi-NCR through retail outlets and mobile distribution points. The intervention addresses prevailing market conditions and aims to improve consumer access and moderate price pressures.
Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), flagged off mobile vans from Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, marking the start of retail sales of government buffer stock onions. This intervention is supported by the Kanda Express initiative, which facilitates the movement of buffer onions.
Key Facts
- Buffer onions are sold at ₹35 per kg in Delhi-NCR.
- The Kanda Express initiative moved approximately 12,000 MT of buffer onions via 14 railway rakes to five cities during 2024-25.
- In 2025-26, the Kanda Express transported around 88,000 MT of onions using 86 railway rakes to 16 cities.
- For the current intervention, onions are being transported through both rail and road networks.
- The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) supports the mechanism for storage and distribution.
- The initiative was announced on August 27, 2026.
Why It Matters
This market intervention directly impacts consumer access to onions in Delhi-NCR by providing a stable price point. The continuous supply of buffer onions aims to moderate market price pressures, ensuring adequate quantities remain available to consumers.
What To Watch
The intervention is ongoing, with onions being moved via rail and road. The involvement of the Central Warehousing Corporation for storage and distribution indicates a structured approach to maintaining supply and price stability.