Bhubaneswar: Amid sudden increase in the prices of onion across Odisha, the state government on Sunday warned of stern action against traders indulging in hoarding and black marketing.
Officials in the districts have been asked to take stern action against the traders found involved in black marketing of onions, said Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.
Following sharp rise in onion price to over Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg in different areas, the state government decided to toughen its stand on the issue.
Noting that fresh onions will hit the market after around a month, the Minister said there is a gap in the production and supply that needs to be managed well to provide onions to the consumers at a reasonable price.
The prices of onion have also increased in other states. The rate of onion in the central pool has also increased, he said. As a result, it is having an impact on the prices of onions in the market.
This apart, some unscrupulous traders are found to be hoarding onions in bulk causing an artificial price rise, Nayak said, adding that the district authorities have been asked to take strong action against the traders involved in hoarding and black marketing of onions.
Notably, the price of onion in has doubled in a month, leading to concerns about increasing household expenses and potential inflation.
Owing to supply disruptions in Nashik, the kitchen staple is now being sold at Rs 60-70 a kg. Some vegetable vendors in Bhubaneswar are even selling onions at Rs 80 a kg, sources said.
