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.
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.
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.
