Centre To Release 3 Lakh Tonnes Of Onion Buffer From September, Push To Keep Kitchen Budgets In Check

New Delhi: In a move to shield households from price shocks, the Centre will begin releasing 3 lakh tonnes of onion buffer stock from September 2025. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs says the step is aimed at preventing sudden price hikes as the festive season approaches.

Monsoon Doesn’t Disrupt Prices

Unlike past years, the monsoon has not sent vegetable prices soaring. Potatoes, onions, and tomatoes have all stayed affordable, thanks to higher production in 2024–25. The ministry says most food commodities are either stable or cheaper compared to last year.

Onion Farmers In Maharashtra Request State Government To Shift Procurement, Alleging Corruption & Exclusion Of Genuine Cultivators

A sign of this moderation: the cost of a homemade thali in July 2025 was 14 percent lower than in July 2024.

Tomato Jolt in Delhi Short-Lived

Tomatoes in Delhi touched Rs 85 per kg at the end of July, but the government says the surge was only due to heavy rainfall in north and north-west India disrupting supplies. With deliveries to Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi back on track, prices are already softening.

NCCF Steps In to Cool Prices

The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) stepped in on August 4, buying tomatoes directly from Azadpur Mandi and selling them at Rs 47–Rs 60 per kg through outlets and mobile vans. Over 27,000 kg have already been sold at these subsidised rates.

Centre Launches Subsidised Tomato Sale In Delhi At ₹47–₹60/Kg To Tackle Rain-Driven Price Spike

Tomato Prices Across Cities

Delhi: Rs 73/kg (average)

Chennai: Rs 50/kg

Mumbai: Rs 58/kg

The all-India average retail price is now Rs 52 per kg, cheaper than ₹54 last year and dramatically below Rs 136 in 2023.