Onion, Sugar Prices Surge Ahead Of Festive Season: What’s Driving The Kitchen Cost Spike?

Just ahead of the festive season, rising onion and sugar prices are putting additional pressure on household budgets. Retail onion prices have climbed from around ₹35 to ₹60–65 per kg in several markets, with lower supplies, a delayed kharif crop and weather damage affecting availability. The Centre has responded by releasing buffer stocks and launching ‘Kanda Express’, with around 800 tonnes of onions being moved to major consuming centres and sold at ₹35 per kg through government outlets. Meanwhile, sugar prices have also risen from around ₹48 to nearly ₹65 per kg in a month. The price surge has triggered a political blame game between the government and Opposition.