October 1: The price of onion has skyrocketed in the market after the Indian government imposed a ban on export onions on Sunday (September 29).

The wholesale price of onion increased by Rs 30 per kilogram in a day to Rs 120 on Monday. The retail price of onion has reached Rs 140 to Rs 150.

India imposed a ban on export of onions due to the scarcity of the crop in the local market.

During a regular monitoring, the Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Department  on Monday found 350 sacks of onion hidden in Kalimati Vegetables and Fruits Market.

According to the Director General of the department, Yogendra Gauchan, there wasn’t much difference in the selling price and the price registered at the customs department of Bhairahawa but the onions were found hidden at the market.

“They have prepared a bill of Rs 107 per kg at Bhairahawa Customs Point at wholesale price. The market operators are selling it at Rs 110 per kg. But the onions were hidden,” said Gauchan.

Gauchan said that 200 sacks of onions were hidden in a warehouse of Aryal Potato-Onion Suppliers while the remaining 150 sacks were found stored by other whole-sellers.

The price of onion has been rising with the onset of Dashain. The wholesale price of onion was just Rs 89 per kg about two weeks ago. But it has seen a sharp rise in the last two days.