Centre sells 1,400 tonnes of onions in Bengal at Rs 35/kg, more supply to reach Kolkata

The Centre has distributed 1,400 tonnes of onions in West Bengal at a discounted rate of Rs 35 per kg and it will supply more quantities during the festive season to provide relief to common people.

In an official statement on Wednesday, the Department of Consumer Affairs said the Centre is strengthening onion supply in West Bengal.

It informed that "Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock is scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026".

The fresh stock would be distributed in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.

More onions to reach Kolkata

"Around 1,400 tonnes of onions have already been distributed in West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at Rs 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.

Kanda Express to boost buffer stock supply

The Kolkata-bound Kanda Express is part of the Government's ongoing strategy of calibrated release of onions from the PSF buffer stock through a hybrid rail-and-road transportation network.

The Centre started the targeted disposal of buffer stock through NAFED and NCCF on August 24, 2026. So far, onions from the buffer stock have been supplied to more than 100 cities across the country.

"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/UTs, indicating an improvement in market availability following the buffer stock interventions," the department said.

Onion prices ease in several states

Among the States/UTs where onion prices declined during the past week are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

The Centre is monitoring onion availability and prices across major consuming markets and is undertaking calibrated releases from the buffer stock.