Onion prices in Odisha have jumped sharply, with retail rates climbing to Rs 50 per kg (or Rs 140 for 3 kg) at Cuttack's Chhatra Bazaar. This marks a significant hike of about Rs 15 to Rs 30 per kg over the past week, breaking a period of relative stability where onions sold for Rs 30 to Rs 35 per kg.
The sudden price surge is primarily driven by a severe supply shortage. Odisha heavily relies on Maharashtra's Nashik region for its onion supply. However, heavy rains, floods, and subsequent crop failures in Nashik have extensively damaged yields. Furthermore, flood conditions have severely disrupted cargo vehicle movement, choking transport and drastically reducing onion imports into local markets.
Consumers are left worried as these supply chain disruptions continue to inflate kitchen counters.