Mumbai Onion Prices Hit Two-Year High as Arrivals Fall Sharply

Onion prices in Mumbai have nearly doubled over the past month, with retail rates now reaching ₹60–70 per kg amid declining arrivals from major growing regions and rising demand from other states. Wholesale prices at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market in Vashi have increased to ₹45–46 per kg, compared with ₹15–25 per kg a month earlier. Traders have warned that prices could rise further in the coming weeks if supplies remain limited.

The increase has been attributed to reduced onion arrivals from key production belts in Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Pune and Solapur. Retail prices, which stood at around ₹30–45 per kg during the corresponding period last month, have climbed sharply as wholesalers and retailers face tighter supplies. Market sources said growing demand from Delhi and southern states was adding further pressure to the available stock.

Traders at Vashi said wholesale onion prices could reach ₹60 per kg within the next fortnight if demand continues to rise. Ashok Karpe, a wholesaler at the Vashi APMC market, said daily arrivals had fallen to around 60–70 trucks from nearly 100 earlier. He added that prices may remain elevated until the next crop reaches the market, which is expected in approximately two-and-a-half months.

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The situation is also affecting Lasalgaon, one of India’s largest onion markets in Maharashtra. Arrivals there have dropped to around 9,000 quintals, nearly 50% below normal levels. Good-quality onions at Lasalgaon are being sold for approximately ₹55 per kg, particularly as major hotel chains and farmers purchasing onions for seeds compete for supplies. Traders described the current wholesale rate as the highest recorded in the market in the past two years.

Lasalgaon APMC chairperson D K Jagtap said prices could rise further over the next month before supplies from neighbouring states such as Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka increase. Meanwhile, onion traders in Nashik have raised concerns that the arrival of late Kharif onions could be delayed because of the prolonged absence of rainfall. These onions are generally harvested during January and February, while a clearer picture of production is expected only after sowing is completed in October.

The price rise is expected to continue until fresh arrivals improve across major producing regions. Market participants believe the arrival of onions from neighbouring states and the next crop could eventually ease the pressure, but consumers may have to deal with higher prices in the short term. The developments are being closely watched as onions remain a key kitchen staple and sudden price increases can significantly affect household food budgets.

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