The price of big onions in Chennai has spiked due to a decrease in arrivals from Maharashtra. Traders at the Koyambedu Wholesale Market link this surge to heavy rainfall in Maharashtra disrupting onion cultivation and transportation to key markets. Maharashtra, a major onion supplier to Tamil Nadu, has seen daily arrivals drop from 60-65 truckloads to 30-35, causing a supply shortage and pushing up wholesale prices.
Market sources warn that if Maharashtra’s onion supplies continue to be hampered by adverse weather, wholesale prices could further increase to Rs 50-60 per kg. Such fluctuations are common during the monsoon season, impacting harvesting and transportation. Tomato prices, in contrast, remain low with native tomatoes priced at Rs 10-20 per kg and hybrid varieties at Rs 30-50 per kg.
Traders note that most other vegetable prices have stayed stable, but consumers may feel the impact of the onion price rise if supply constraints persist in the coming weeks.
