Prices of onions and potatoes in the Capital are, once again, heading northward. But, this time it’s not because of short supply of these essential commodities, but because of an artificial scarcity created by vendors. In a week’s time, the prices of onions have nearly doubled in some areas of the city as most vendors are selling it at Rs25 per kilogram.
Some sellers have attributed the spike to inadequate supply of the onions and potatoes to the city from neighbouring States like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. However, those in the wholesale business of the two commodities have denied any shortage and have rather called it an ‘artificial scarcity’ created by retailers.
“There is no shortage of onions and potatoes in Delhi. In the current scenario, the city is receiving a surplus of 700-800 tonnes of each on a daily basis. The supposed hike is solely because some vendors are taking advantage of the strike happening in Nashik and lasalgaon. There is no scarcity in supply and Delhi is unaffected by the incidents there,” said Rajendra Sharma, former Azadpur APMC chairman.
In East Delhi’s laxmi Nagar area, till just a week ago, onions and potatoes were being sold anywhere between Rs12-15 per kg. But now, the same has increased to Rs25 per kg. “Supply of the two essentials is on a decline, hence, rates are increasing. It will increase further in the coming days,” said Ganesh, a seller in laxmi Nagar mandi.
Retail outlets like SAFAl of Mother Dairy and Reliance Fresh, have maintained that their rates have only had a marginal rise. Both are selling onions and potatoes for Rs20 per kg. “The rate has been Rs20 for a while now. We have not increased the prices in the recent times,” said an official at Reliance Fresh.