Hotel food to cost more; onion prices nearing Rs 100

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Onion prices are on the rise in Kerala. Prices were in the range of Rs 40-50 last week. The price of onion was in the range of Rs 70 to Rs 80 in the wholesale market and Rs 80 to Rs 90 in the retail market yesterday. According to traders, onion prices are going to reach Rs 100.

The trend of onion prices rising in late October and November after Diwali has been around for quite some time now. Onion prices had touched Rs 75 at the same time last year. Traders attributed the rise in onion prices to a week-long market holiday on the occasion of Diwali, waterlogging of fields due to heavy rains and low harvesting.

Onion comes to Kerala mainly from Pune. There was a 10-day market holiday there followed by Diwali celebrations. The retailers alleged that the wholesalers from Kerala have increased the prices by taking advantage of this. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra's Nashik, traders auctioned onions at a record price of Rs 5,400 per quintal yesterday. Consumers are demanding immediate intervention of the government in the market.

Onion price yesterday

Wholesale market ---- Retail market

Kozhikode -------------------------- ₹70-75 --------------------- 85-90

Ernakulam-------------------------- ₹70-78 --------------------- 80-85

Thiruvananthapuram--------------- ₹72-80 ---------------------78-85