ONION PRICE INDIA

Non-vegetarian thali cost drops 1% in March; Vegetarian thali prices remain stable: Crisil Report

The cost of a home-cooked non-vegetarian thali fell 1% year-on-year in March 2026, while vegetarian meal costs remained unchanged, as cheaper onions, potatoes and pulses offset higher prices of tomatoes, edible oil and fuel, according to Crisil.

Unseasonal rain may dent wheat output, quality

While prices may stay stable for now, better-quality wheat is likely to command a premium, widening price gaps, according to industry executives and experts. Onion prices could also increase after July as rain-hit crops with poor shelf life reduce supply.

India has adequate seed stock available amid the Israel-Iran war, says govt official

India assures ample seed availability for the upcoming sowing season. This comes as global supply chains face disruptions. The nation boasts a self-reliant seed system. For the Kharif Season 2026, a surplus of 19.29 lakh quintals is reported. This ensures agricultural needs are met, providing stability for farmers.

Wholesale inflation at 11-month high of 2.13%

India's wholesale inflation reached a new high in February. Prices for food and other goods increased significantly. This trend mirrors rising retail inflation. Experts predict further price hikes ahead. Deflation continues in fuel and power. Food inflation saw a notable rise. Manufacturing prices also edged up.

Retail inflation climbs to 3.21% in February

Sequentially, retail inflation increased 0.1%, while food inflation fell 0.2%. Core inflation remained steady at 3.4%. "The uptick was almost entirely led by the food and beverages (F&B) segment, which accounted for as much as 44 basis points of the 47 bps rise in the headline print between these months," said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA. One basis point is 0.01 percentage point.

India cooking gas crunch fuels inflation fear as Iran war widens

India faces a severe cooking gas crunch due to Middle East supply disruptions. Restaurants and small businesses are struggling with shortages and price hikes. Some are even considering temporary closures. This crisis is impacting inflation and the economy. Policymakers are concerned about rising prices and potential output drops. The government is taking emergency measures to protect households.

India’s February retail inflation quickens to 3.21% before Iran war impact hits

India's retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February, driven by geopolitical tensions impacting global oil supplies. This marks the second reading under a revised CPI framework with a 2024 base year, reflecting updated consumption patterns. While food and fuel inflation figures are pending, economists monitor potential imported inflation risks.

India wholesale inflation at 9-month high of 1.81% in January; up from 0.83% in December

In January, India witnessed a surge in wholesale price inflation, hitting a nine-month high of 1.81%. This uptrend can be attributed to escalating costs across basic metals, manufactured goods, and agricultural sectors, with food inflation also on the rise. Concurrently, retail inflation edged up to 2.75%, driven by the rising costs of food and precious metals.

Thali tales: Veg prices hold steady, non-veg gets cheaper in February

Home-cooked vegetarian thali costs held steady in February. Non-vegetarian thali prices dropped three percent. Lower onion, potato, and pulse prices balanced rising tomato costs for vegetarian meals. Broiler prices, a major component of non-veg thalis, declined. Vegetable prices are expected to ease. West Asia tensions may impact basmati rice exports.

Indian fruit, vegetable exporters a worried lot as Iran war upsets all calculations

Iran war: Demand typically rises during Ramzan-Easter. Several exporters even source seeds and cultivate produce specifically for Europe, where January to April is considered a lean cultivation season. However, ongoing disruptions have upended shipment plans in a major way.

Oil, rice, textiles & more: The cost Indians may have to pay for Iran-Israel war

Iran-Israel War: India feels the pinch as the Israel-Iran conflict pushes up prices for pulses and onions. Exports of rice, textiles, and electronics are hampered by delays and higher freight costs. Strained shipping lanes and volatile markets are forcing a rethink of logistics. Essential imports and strategic sectors hang in the balance, with broader economic fallout likely if tensions rise.

India's onion exports to West Asia come to a halt amid escalating tensions

Indian onion exports to West Asia have stopped. Major ports in the region closed operations on Sunday. This has suspended vessel movements. Consignments are now stranded. The disruption occurs during the Ramadan shipping window. Overseas demand typically surges by 30% at this time. Farmers in northern Maharashtra face subdued prices.

ET Prime Special: Macro-economics & the stock market. What the revamped CPI means – and its implications for the market

Earlier this month, India's economic data landscape underwent a seismic shift. The government unveiled a completely revamped Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a new base year of 2024, fundamentally altering how the nation measures retail inflation. It is a development that has created a new paradigm for understanding the complex dynamics of prices in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Wholesale inflation touches 10-month high of 1.8% in January

India's wholesale inflation reached a 10-month peak of 1.81 percent in January. This rise was fueled by higher costs for food, non-food articles, and manufactured goods. Retail inflation also saw its first reading under a new series. Economists noted a gradual increase in inflation since October 2025. The core WPI segment showed a significant jump.

CPI Revamp: Inflation at 2.75% in January

India's retail inflation reached 2.75% in January, marking the first reading under a new Consumer Price Index series. This figure returns inflation to the Reserve Bank of India's target band. The new series reflects updated consumption patterns. Higher food prices contributed to the January increase. Economists anticipate inflation may rise in coming months.

More tears likely in store for Indians as onion prices to stay high, ICICI Bank says

While November saw a slight dip in overall vegetable prices, onion prices remained stubbornly high, contributing to India's rising inflation. This price surge, attributed to heavy rains and supply chain disruptions, has significantly impacted essential items like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions, pushing retail inflation to a 14-month high.

Onion price hikes make wallets weep across India

Onion prices in India have skyrocketed to Rs 70-80 per kilogram, impacting household budgets and causing distress among consumers. Vendors attribute the price hike to inflation and sourcing costs, while consumers express concerns about the affordability of this essential ingredient. Despite the surge, onions remain a staple, compelling people to purchase them despite the inflated prices.

Govt to buy 1,650 tonnes of onions from traders for Bangladesh

This will be the first official export of the key kitchen staple from India in more than three months since the country banned its export from December 8 to March 31. In March first week, the Centre allowed export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to countries from which it had received requests through diplomatic channels, government officials said at the time.

Onion prices in India may stay high for at least a month

Onion prices are likely to stay high for around a month due to limited supplies, while exports remain strong after the removal of a 40% export duty, making overseas shipments more profitable amid global demand. The government introduced a minimum export price (MEP) to discourage exports, imposing $800 per tonne until December 31.

Onion prices soar by 57%; Centre increases buffer stock sales for consumer relief

Onion prices shoot up 60% in two weeks

According to senior trade sources, the sowing of kharif onions in the southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh was low as farmers incurred losses in the last two years. Below normal rainfall in these states has further reduced the onion production. The country will now get its next new harvest of kharif onions from Alwar in Rajastan.

Get ready to pay higher prices for Onions. Here's why

Over 500 traders in Nashik district, responsible for procuring onions from all 15 Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), have initiated an indefinite strike. This strike will significantly affect onion supply across the country. The traders are protesting against the lower prices offered by two central government agencies, Nafed and NCCF, which procure onions from farmers in Nashik and distribute them at lower rates compared to what traders offer.

A problem of plenty: India's onion mess

What the government is doing is hurting farmers rather than resolving the country’s onion mess.