Mumbai, December 25: Following the crackdown by the government and imposition of restrictions on export, the retail and wholesale prices of onion started cooling in various markets across the country. However, the prices of tomato continued to be bullish.
The retail prices of onion on Friday eased at Rs. 50-60 a kg, while tomato and garlic maintained the uptrend.
In the largest onion-producing centre Nashik, the commodity was quoted at Rs. 3,200-3,500 a quintal with the retail prices slipping by about 15 per cent from Rs. 60-70 on Thursday.
Oil prices go up
But tomato and garlic continued to be a cause of concern for the government, being sold at Rs. 40-50 and Rs. 250-320 a kg respectively in the retail market. According to government statistics, the price of edible oils and crude palm oil also has gone up by 15-40 per cent during the last few weeks, causing alarm.
The prices of onion dropped to Rs. 50-60 a kg in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata from Thursday’s level of Rs. 60-70 a kg.
Trend in major cities
Onion prices had doubled to Rs. 70-85 a kg in major cities across the country earlier this week due to damage of crops in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka because of rains as well as hoarding.
Wholesale prices dropped by up to Rs. 8 a kg in the key markets of Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon in Nashik. The decline is about 50 per cent in the last four days in Nashik markets, with the best quality onions being available at Rs. 32-35 a kg.
Export ban helps
Government steps such as ban on exports, abolition of import duty, and crackdown on hoarding, are seen as a major factor in the price decline.
Tomato sold at Rs. 60 a kg in retail in Mumbai while it was ruling at Rs. 35 in Chennai and Rs. 40 in Kolkata.
Garlic prices have risen sharply to Rs. 300 a kg in Delhi, up from Rs.160-180 a month ago.
Soya oil up
The price of soya oil has increased by Rs. 11 in Delhi in the last two months to Rs. 77 a litre and in Kolkata by Rs. 8 to Rs. 62 from Rs. 54. Mustard oil has turned dearer by Rs. 2-3 a litre across the country.
To remain firm
Edible oil prices, which have risen by Rs.10-12 a litre, as per the government data, in the last two-three months across the country, are likely to remain firm till the end of February, Solvent Extractors Association of India executive president B.V. Mehta said.
–Agencies