Govt imports 2,400 tonnes of onion from Egypt amid price rise concerns

Concerned over onion price rise, the government on Friday said 2,400 tonnes of onions have been imported by private traders from Egypt to boost supply and indicated facilitating more imports if rates go up unreasonably high.

The consumer affairs ministry is closely monitoring onion prices, which are ruling high in the range of Rs 40-50 per kg in most retail markets depending on the quality.

"Imports are happening from Egypt. Private traders have already placed an order for 2,400 tonnes. The containers are landing at the Mumbai port," a senior ministry official told PTI after the review meeting with traders.


Another shipment of 9,000 tonnes of onion is expected to arrive soon. Private traders have been asked to be prepared for more imports from neighbouring countries if prices rise unreasonably high, he said.