M A I N   N E W S

Govt mulls banning onion exports as prices touch Rs 90/kg
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 22
The government is mulling banning onion exports and crack whip on hoarders to contain prices, which have risen back to the Rs 80-90/kg level in the national capital owing to supply crunch.

In many cities, the onion rates are hovering anywhere between Rs 60 and 90 per kg in retail markets. The spike is being attributed to heavy rains in growing areas, leading to hoarding of the existing stock.

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma asked the state governments to take firm action against hoarders. “We have enough onion stock in the country. The state governments must act firmly against hoarders. Hoarding has led to the artificial scarcity and sharp escalation of prices,” he said. The Centre, it is considering banning the exports. "Onion prices have gone up sharply. We are considering banning exports as there is not much scope to raise minimum export price," a senior government official said.