In a significant step towards strengthening onion availability and ensuring affordable prices ahead of the festive season, the Department of Consumer Affairs is expanding the distribution of buffer onions under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), with the first-ever Kanda Express movement to Agartala, Tripura. The consignment, carrying approximately 440 MT of onions, is expected to reach Agartala by 18th October 2026.
The initiative marks a further expansion of the Government’s onion distribution network in the North-East, following the successful movement of buffer onions to Assam through Kanda Express. The dispatch to Agartala reinforces the Government’s commitment to expanding supply outreach, improving last-mile availability and ensuring timely access to affordable onions across consumption centres in all regions of the country.
Kanda Express to Strengthen Onion Distribution Across Tripura
The intervention is expected to enhance market coverage across seven of Tripura’s eight districts: Dhalai, South Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, West Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala.
So far, two Kanda Express rail rakes, carrying 840 MT and 452 MT of onions, respectively, and 44 truck consignments carrying a total of 1,513.46 MT have supplied buffer onions across the North-East. The distribution has covered key locations in Assam, Tripura and Nagaland, including Kamrup, Guwahati, Gomati, Dimapur, Sepahijala, Kohima, Niuland and Chumoukedima.
The expansion of rail-based and road-based distribution is aimed at improving the reach of buffer stocks and supplementing market supplies in key consumption centres across the region.
Fresh Kharif Arrivals Improve Market Availability; Mandi Prices Moderate
With fresh Kharif arrivals gathering pace, onion mandi prices have moderated across major markets. The All-India average mandi price declined from a peak of approximately ₹3,600 per quintal in September to around ₹3,300 per quintal in October.
The calibrated releases from the onion buffer continue to supplement market supplies, improve availability and help moderate retail prices. The Department of Consumer Affairs is continuing these interventions in response to prevailing market conditions to support consumer access to onions at affordable prices.
Retail Onion Prices Decline in 211 Cities; Regional Price Differences Narrow
Over the past two weeks, 211 cities have reported a decline of ₹1–₹13 per kg in retail onion prices. The moderation has been observed across major consuming States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
In Assam, retail onion prices have also moderated in recent weeks, with around 12 centres in the State recording a decline ranging from ₹1 to ₹8 per kg.
The disparity between Assam’s average retail onion prices and the All-India average has narrowed significantly over the past two years. Two years ago, the average retail price in Assam stood at ₹61.96 per kg, compared with the All-India average of ₹54.13 per kg, representing a difference of ₹7.83 per kg. Currently, Assam’s average retail price is ₹54.30 per kg, while the All-India average stands at ₹53.07 per kg, reducing the difference to ₹1.23 per kg.
This convergence indicates a substantial narrowing of the regional price differential, with retail onion prices in Assam now broadly aligned with the national average.
Onion Buffer Disposal to Continue Based on Market Conditions
The Government continues to closely monitor onion prices, market arrivals and supply conditions across the country. Disposal of onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock is guided by prevailing market conditions, price trends and availability requirements.
Further releases will be undertaken, as required, in accordance with approved operational decisions to ensure adequate market availability and help moderate undue price volatility.