The price of onion in Kolkata is likely to drop to Rs. 60-65 in a day or two with fresh supply entering the city from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The number of trucks carrying onions has increased to 17-18 per day in some of the major wholesale markets of Kolkata. It is thus expected to cost less – Rs. 50 per kilo by next week.
Currently, onions are selling at Rs. 80 or so in most of markets of Kolkata. In some retail markets though, the price is still between Rs. 90 and Rs 100. While this is partly because the older costlier stock has not been exhausted, it is also possible that some retailers are using the situation to their advantage by artificially increasing the price of fresh stock available with them. Wholesale price on Friday ranged from Rs. 55 per kilo to Rs. 65 per kg in Posta and Koley markets – two major wholesale markets in the city.
According to Kamal De, president of the West Bengal Wholesale Vendors, some retailers are deliberately selling onions at earlier rates, as otherwise, the retail prices should have dropped significantly by now since large stock has arrived already. In any case, the price will certainly drop by next week as onion cannot be hoarded for long and fresh supply has to be brought in, De said. He is also a member of the task force formed by the West Bengal government to keep prices of vegetables under check.
An official from the state’s agri-marketing department said that the government is keeping an eye on the retail market trends. Currently, the state is selling onions at a subsidised price of Rs. 59 per kg through its network of 960 ration shops and 131 Sufal Bangla stores.
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