KOZHIKODE: Onion prices have surged due to a decrease in imports. Two weeks ago, the price of onions ranged from 25 to 35 rupees per kilogram but yesterday it reached 60 to 70 rupees per kilogram. At the Palayam wholesale market, onions were sold for 55 rupees per kilogram whereas last month they were only 25 rupees.

Shallot and garlic prices are also rising. In the Palayam market, shallots were priced at 92 rupees per kilogram and garlic was at 164 rupees per kilogram. However, in local shops, shallots are now selling for over 100 rupees per kilogram and garlic is over 170 rupees per kilogram.

Traders are predicting further price increases in the coming days. Onions mainly come to Kerala from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Wholesale traders attribute the rising prices to low onion production in local agricultural centers due to climate change. Smaller traders anticipate that the prices of all vegetables including onions will rise with the start of the Mandalakalam. The last time onion prices crossed 100 rupees per kilogram was three years ago.