Delhi residents can now purchase onions at ₹35 per kg under a government backed retail initiative introduced to bring some relief to consumers facing higher vegetable prices. The discounted onions are being supplied from the Centre’s buffer stock as part of an effort to increase availability in the capital and put pressure on retail prices. Government agencies have been tasked with bringing the cheaper stock directly to consumers. The move comes after onion prices in Delhi climbed to around ₹62 per kg, making the government’s selling price considerably lower than what many consumers are currently paying in the open market.

At ₹35 per kg, the reduction works out to roughly 44% compared with the reported market price. The Centre has been building onion reserves to deal with sudden price increases and supply disruptions. When prices begin rising, these stocks can be released in major consumption centres to increase supplies and moderate retail rates. For the Delhi distribution drive, agencies including Nafed, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar are involved in selling the onions. Safal outlets are also expected to make the subsidised stock available to consumers. The government is also using dedicated transportation arrangements to move onions from producing regions to consumption centres. Maharashtra, one of India's major onion producing states, is among the key sources supplying the stock being sent towards Delhi.

Officials have said the country has adequate onion availability and that the recent price increase is being closely monitored. The government is also examining issues such as supply disruptions, hoarding and unusual market activity that could contribute to higher prices. The timing of the intervention is significant as demand for essential food items typically increases around major festivals. Keeping adequate supplies in urban markets could help prevent another sharp increase in household expenses. While the ₹35 per kg sale is expected to provide immediate relief to Delhi consumers, its longer term impact will depend on how market supplies and wholesale prices move in the coming weeks. The Centre is expected to continue monitoring onion prices and release additional buffer stocks wherever necessary to maintain supply and limit excessive price increases.