After releasing 1,400 tonnes of onions to West Bengal for retail sales at ₹35 per kg, the Centre has said it will supply more quantities during the festive season to provide relief to common people. The next consignment of onion from Nashik via Kanda Express will reach the State on Thursday, it said.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, in a statement, said that the Centre is strengthening onion supply in West Bengal.

The Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) buffer stock is scheduled to reach Kolkata on September 24, the department said adding it would be distributed in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.

“Around 1,400 tonnes of onions have already been distributed in West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at ₹35 per kg, mainly through road transport. With the arrival of Kanda Express, additional quantities will now be moved more efficiently, helping improve market availability and moderate seasonal price pressures,” it said.

In Kolkata, retail sales are currently being undertaken at more than 25 locations, including major markets such as Koley Market, Mechua Mandi, Maniktala Market, Rampuria Market and Shyam Bazar Market. The government is also exploring the possibility of retail sale of buffer stock onions through Sufal Bangla.

The Centre started the targeted disposal of buffer stock through NAFED and NCCF on August 24 and so far, onions from the buffer stock have been supplied to more than 100 cities across the country, the government said.

“The increased availability has also started easing price pressures in several parts of the country. During the past week, retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States and union territories, indicating an improvement in market availability following the buffer stock interventions,” the department said.

It said that prices have declined in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar during the past week. The Centre is monitoring onion availability and prices across major consuming markets and is undertaking calibrated releases from the buffer stock.

Published on September 23, 2026