As the onion rates rocket, Kapil Sibal says government doesn't sell onions, ask traders

As the common man faces the pinch in the pocket with onion prices rising, the government seems to be refusing to take responsibility for the crisis facing the country.

First it was Sharad Pawar who said rising onion prices were good for the farmers, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said the prices have nothing to do with the government.

When asked about the onion price rise in India, Sibal said, "Ask the traders this? The government does not sell onions."

The Centre has directed all state governments including Maharashtra to take action against traders and speculators keeping onion prices artificially high by taking advantage of the seasonal shortage.

Rain, fuel price rise and hoarding have been the main reasons for the rise in onion price that has shot up to the range of Rs75 to Rs110 in many parts of the country.

The rising prices of onions and vegetables, which have already been eroding the budgets of the people in the national capital, are not expected to fall till Oct 15, the wholesale dealers have predicted.