Delhi and Tamil Nadu Launch Subsidized Onion Sales

Regional governments in Delhi and Tamil Nadu have launched emergency measures to stabilize onion prices, which have climbed to as high as 70 rupees per kg in some areas. Both administrations are selling the vegetable at a subsidized rate of 35 rupees per kg to protect consumers from inflation caused by adverse weather and reduced arrivals from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

In Delhi, Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister, announced that the central government is providing 1,000 metric tonnes of onions. These will be distributed through fair price shops and mobile vans across the city's 13 districts. The Delhi government may procure additional supplies of onions and sugar from the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd if prices continue to rise.

Similarly, the Government of Tamil Nadu will begin selling onions at the same subsidized rate on September 3 through 8,739 urban ration shops, Amudham stores, and cooperative outlets. Food Minister Venkataramanan stated the first phase will serve approximately 80 lakh family cardholders, limited to one kg per family. To prevent future price spikes, Tamil Nadu will convene a price monitoring committee every three months to determine when market intervention is required.