New Delhi, September 4 (HS): Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prahlad Joshi, on Thursday flagged off mobile vans operated by NCCF, NAFED, and Central Warehousing Corporation, initiating the retail sale of onions at a subsidized rate of Rs. 24 per kilogram.

The ministry announced that the onion sales began today in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad as part of the government’s buffer stock management to ensure steady and targeted supply. This move aims to provide consumers affordable access to this essential kitchen staple amidst fluctuating market prices.

Minister Joshi emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and consumers alike, highlighting food inflation control as a national priority. He noted that direct interventions, including buffer stock releases, have played a crucial role in lowering retail inflation, which stood at just 1.55% in July 2025—the lowest in nearly eight years. The controlled and targeted distribution of onions from buffer stocks is a key strategy to stabilize prices and protect consumers from price volatility.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar