Onion prices have climbed sharply across Odisha, with the vegetable selling for around ₹70 per kg in several markets as reduced supplies push up retail rates.
Markets in Balasore, Berhampur, Bolangir and Cuttack have reported a rise in onion prices, with traders attributing the increase to a decline in market arrivals.
The supply crunch has also been felt at Cuttack’s Chhatra Bazar, where traders said five to six trucks carrying onions would earlier arrive daily. The market is now reportedly receiving only one or two trucks occasionally.
Supply shortage pushes onion prices higher
Odisha depends heavily on supplies from other states because onion cultivation within the state remains limited. While some production takes place in parts of western Odisha and Angul, the crop is not widely cultivated across the state.
Traders said onions supplied to Odisha largely come from Nashik in Maharashtra, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh. Any disruption or reduction in arrivals from these markets can quickly affect prices in Odisha.
Vegetable vendors said customers have been complaining about the rising prices. Retailers, however, are also facing uncertainty because wholesale rates have remained volatile.
Maharashtra weather adds to supply concerns
Traders have linked the latest price rise partly to reduced onion availability from Maharashtra, where weather conditions have reportedly affected cultivation and supplies.
The lower inflow has added to concerns over the availability of onions in Odisha markets, contributing to the recent price surge.
However, experts expect onion prices to ease after mid-September, provided supplies improve.
Consumers feel the pinch
The rise in onion prices has added to the financial burden on households already dealing with higher vegetable prices.
Consumers said they are being forced to reduce their purchases and manage their household budgets more carefully as the cost of essential vegetables continues to rise.
Locals have urged the government to take steps to ensure adequate onion supplies and prevent further price escalation across Odisha.
