Bhubaneswar: Even as potato prices cooled down a bit, the cost of onion has come as fresh headache for consumers. Onion prices have touched the Rs 50 per kg mark while other vegetables are not far behind. Most are around 15-20% higher compared to last week’s prices.
The rise in onion prices has been attributed to ongoing heavy rains that have disrupted the supply chain, causing a shortage of essential commodities in the market.
“After potato, now onion prices have started increasing in the state. Last week, onion was selling at Rs 40/kg, but on Sunday I bought it for Rs 50/kg. With the holy month of Shravan ending on Monday, consumption of onion will increase in households,” said Sarita Swain, a home-maker.
Local traders said rain has impacted the transportation of vegetables from neighbouring states, leading to a supply crunch.
“The continuous rainfall has affected the harvesting and transportation of onions, causing the price rise. During monsoon, the price of onions remains high and this year it is fluctuating as well,” said Debendra Sahu, secretary of Chhatra Bazaar Traders’ Association in Cuttack.
Mousumi Mohanty said the high prices of kitchen essentials have affected celebration of festivals as well.
“With so many festivals lined up and guests at home, the high cost of potato, onion and most green vegetables make it difficult to manage the kitchen budget,” Mohanty said.
There could be more misery in store for consumers with traders fearing fresh crisis after distributors in West Bengal have threatened to go on strike again.
“We have potato in stock that is likely to meet the requirement for the next three days. Since the West Bengal govt has been restricting supply of potato to Odisha, some crisis may arise. But there are options which the govt should explore to overcome the potato crisis,” said Sudhakar Panda, secretary of Odisha Traders’ Association.

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