Published 18:08 IST, November 30th 2019
Nexus between BJP, hoarders responsible for rocketing onion prices: AAP
The AAP blamed an alleged nexus between BJP and hoarders for sharp increase in onion prices and asked why it was not taking steps to reduce the inflation.
Advertisement
The AAP on Saturday blamed an alleged nexus between BJP and hoarders for the sharp increase in onion prices and asked the Centre why it was not taking steps to reduce the inflation.
AAP seeks Centre assistance to make onions available at subsidised rates
AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also asked the Centre the reason behind selling onion to Delhi government at a higher rate when NAFED has proposed a subsidised price. Struggling to cool prices amid soaring demand, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has sought Centre's help to make onions available at subsidised rates. The Delhi government has claimed that NAFED has proposed to sell onions at Rs 60 per kg in the city.
Stock Holding Limit extended on onion traders
With onion prices continuing to rule high at Rs 80-90 per kg, the government on Wednesday extended prohibitions on traders from the stocking of edible bulbs across the country for an indefinite period. Separately, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan did not say by when prices of onion will normalize.
"It's not in our hand, the government is making maximum efforts but who can win from nature," he told reporters when asked by when onion prices will come down to a reasonable level.
Besides the stock holding limit, he said, the Centre has banned exports of onion and importing 1.2 lakh tonnes to control prices. Onion prices are ruling at Rs 70-80 per kg in retail markets across major cities.
"Stockholding limit on retailers and wholesalers are being further extended until further orders," an official statement said.
Stock holding limit
The stock holding limit was imposed in September. At present, retailers can stock onion only up to 100 quintals and wholesale traders are allowed to keep up to 500 quintals. The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary A K Srivastava, to monitor the price and availability of onions across the country. The consumer affairs secretary has written to chief secretaries of all states asking them to suitably reduce the stock limits further in their states as per the availability and prices.
17:55 IST, November 30th 2019