Onion has once again become a big problem for the common people in the country facing the brunt of inflation. This vegetable used in the kitchen every day is now playing an important role in wasting the household budget. The special thing is that the effect of the increase in the price of onion is not only limited to buying vegetables but it is also increasing the price of other food items.
According to government data, the annual inflation rate of onion reached 116.22% in October 2026. This means that the price of onion has increased significantly compared to October last year. In September too, the inflation rate of onion was 108.13%.
If we look at the data, there is a continuous increase in onion prices for 5 consecutive months. The inflation trend of onion which started from 4 percent in the month of June has reached over 116 percent in the month of October. This persistently high inflation is a concern for ordinary families. Let’s discuss this in detail…
Why did the concern increase due to the increase in onion prices?
Onion is a part of Indian kitchen that is in demand in almost every household. It is used in many types of dishes from beans, vegetables, salads. This is the reason why the increase in onion price has a direct impact on the common man’s pocket. Onion ranks first among major food items with the highest inflation in October government data. Its inflation rate was recorded at 116.22%, while it was 108.13% in September. This means that the price of onion has not only remained the same but also increased compared to last month. The special thing is that the increase in onion prices started from the month of June. It is constantly increasing. Onion inflation rate was 4.73 percent in the month of June. After that, it has come down to 22.54% in July, 48.78% in August, 108.13% in September and now 116.22% in October.
Onion prices are increasing continuously for 5 months
What do government statistics say about prices?
If we look at the data of the Consumer Affairs Department, the price of onion has increased. Here we have taken the average price of onion on the last date of every month. It will give a clear idea that the price of onion is increasing continuously. On June 30, the average price of onion was Rs 29.8 per kg. After one month i.e. on 31st July, it became Rs 35.36. On August 31, the average price of onion was Rs 48.87 per kg. It reached Rs 53.91 per kg on September 30. Onion prices were seen in the same range in the month of October as well. According to the department, the average price of onion on October 31 was Rs 53.41 to 53.91 per kg. On November 13, the average price of onion was Rs 53.71 per kg. This means that the average price of onion is above Rs 53 per kg for the third consecutive month.
| the day | Average price per kg |
| Average Onion Price on June 30 | 29.8 Rs |
| Average Onion Price on 31st July | Rs. 35.36 |
| Average Onion Price on 31st August | 48.87 Rs |
| Average Onion Price on 30 September | Rs. 53.91 |
| Average Onion Price on 31st October | Rs. 53.41 |
| Average price of onion on 13th November | Rs. 53.71 |
Why are onion prices increasing?
The major reason for this is the reduction in supply of onion and the effect of weather. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) October 2026 report mentions some of the major reasons behind the rise in onion prices.
- Reduction in Old Stock: Stock of onion collected in rabi season has decreased. Some stocks have also suffered losses.
- Uneven distribution of monsoons: Rainfall was not normal in many areas, affecting crops and their availability.
- Delay in arrival of Kharif crops: Uncertainty remained as to when and in what quantity the new crop would reach the markets.
- Difference Between Demand and Supply: As the availability of onion is less than the demand in the market, pressure has increased on the prices.
According to the RBI, the retail price of onion increased by about 84 percent from the end of June to September 30.
Along with onion, garlic and ginger have also become expensive
Inflationary pressure is not limited to onions. Government data for October 2026 also showed sharp increases in prices of many other food products.
This makes it clear that many essential items used in the kitchen are getting expensive. In such a situation, it is natural that the monthly expenses of families increase.
How is onion increasing the country’s inflation?
The increase in onion prices has a direct impact on food inflation. When the prices of daily consumed vegetables increase, people have to adjust their food budget. According to government data released in November, the country’s retail inflation rate rose to 6.09% in October 2026 from 5.54% in September. Food inflation also rose to 8.94% during this period. Food inflation was 9.09% in rural areas and 8.68% in urban areas. It means that inflationary pressure is being seen in cities as well as in villages.
Will onions also add to RBI’s worries?
Rising inflation not only affects the pocket of the common man, but can also pose a challenge to RBI’s monetary policy. RBI’s inflation target is 4%, while its tolerance range is 2% to 6%. Retail inflation exceeded this upper limit by reaching 6.09% in October. If food prices remain high for a long time, it may be difficult to control inflation. This can also affect decisions regarding interest rates.
When will the common man get relief?
The relaxation in onion prices will largely depend on the arrival of the new crop, the weather and the stock available in the market. If supply of kharif crop improves and onion income in mandis increases, pressure on prices may ease. However, it is difficult to expect a big drop in prices immediately due to weather uncertainty and depletion of old crop stocks. It will also be important for the government to maintain the availability of onion in the market and monitor hoarding, so that the common man can get relief.
Why is it important for the common man to keep an eye on onion prices?
Onion may be a small vegetable, but it plays an important role in the daily expenses of Indian families. The increase in its prices has a direct impact on the local budget. The October figures show that onion inflation is no longer just a vegetable market problem, but has become a major cause of rising inflationary pressures in the country. 116.22% inflation rate of onion means its price in October 2026 was higher than this rate in October last year. This does not mean that onions became expensive by 116% in a single month.
