India onion prices surge amid weather-related crop delays

Onion prices in India have risen sharply, with average retail prices increasing approximately 90% between June and September 2026. Data from the Department of Consumer Affairs shows prices climbed from ₹29.5/kg to ₹56.1/kg during this period.

The price surge is driven by supply chain constraints and weather-related delays. The next major red onion crop from Maharashtra, which typically arrives in October, has been delayed by one to 1.5 months due to weather conditions. Additionally, increased rainfall in Madhya Pradesh has led to crop spoilage and lower production.

As the current Garwa pink crop nears the end of its storage life, a supply gap is expected to persist. While new crops from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have begun arriving, they are primarily directed toward the domestic market. Market analysts suggest that prices could reach yearly highs between late September and the end of October before full-scale arrivals from Maharashtra occur, likely after November.