Onion prices will drop in next few days: Sheila Dikshit

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit today said that prices of onion will come down in the next few days as the Centre and Delhi government have taken a series of measures to bring down the rates.

"Both the Centre and Delhi governments have taken a series of measures and the impact has been seen in the wholesale market. We hope the prices will come down very soon," she said.

The prices of onions have soared to Rs70-80 per kg in retail markets from Rs35-40 just a few days ago due to shortage on account of damage to crops in Maharashtra, Gujarat and some southern states because of rains.

Asked about rising prices of tomatoes which are selling at Rs40-50 per kg, she said her government will look into the matter and take effective action. Prices of tomatoes have risen by Rs15-20 in the last few days.

She said the Centre has already banned the export of onions and taken a series of steps which has shown result in the wholesale market.

The Delhi government yesterday announced that it will start selling onions in the price range of Rs39-41 per kg at 480 outlets across the city within two days to insulate people from skyrocketing prices of the commodity.

Combined teams from the Enforcement Department, food and civil supplies department and development department conducted raids and survey at various places including Azadpur wholesale market yesterday but no evidence of any hoarding has been found, officials said.

A control room has been set up by by food and supplies department to monitor the rates of onions in wholesale and retail markets of Delhi and to disseminate information to public in this regard.

A toll free number (1800-11-0841) has also been activated so that common people can get proper information about the rates.