The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Onion prices make a steep climb

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 04, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Onion prices make a steep climb

Staff Reporter

Selling at Rs. 11 to Rs. 20 per kg

HYDERABAD: The sudden rise in the prices of onions in the open market is literally bringing tears to the eyes of housewives.

From Rs. 5 a kilo, onion prices have seen a three-fold increase and are selling at Rs. 11 to Rs. 20 per kg depending on the quality and place.

The sudden rise is being attributed to the shortage in the market due to depleted supplies from other States.

"Prices have almost doubled in the last four days and this was unexpected," says Kamala, a resident of Habsiguda who regularly buys at the vegetable markets. Those why buy in the upmarket retail outlets too express similar feelings. The inferior quality onions are however priced a bit low.

The city gets onions from the neighbouring Ranga Reddy district apart from some districts in Rayalaseema during the months from October to December.

They are brought from Karnataka and Maharashtra from December to March. But, drop in production due to various factors in Maharashtra has led to the shortage and thus the sudden price hike.

Officials say that more than 60 lorries bring onions from various parts of the State to the city but now the number has reduced significantly. Traders are obviously utilising the shortage to further jack up the prices.

Officials say they have expected the shortage from the neighbouring districts and procured additional quantities from Kurnool district last week to be supplied at Rythu Bazaars at a nominal price. But they also agree that not all Rythu Bazaars were covered with the additional supplies.

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