Nexus between BJP, hoarders responsible for rocketing onion prices: AAP

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.

READ: Govt Extends Stock Holding Limit On Onion Traders Indefinitely To Check Price Rise

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.

WATCH | Patna: Citizens React To Increasing Onion Prices

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.

WATCH: Ahmedabad Residents Share Concern Over Soaring Onion Prices

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.

READ: BJP Leaders Meenakshi Lekhi, Vijay Goel Wear Onion Garlands Over Soaring Prices In Delhi