Hyderabad: Onion prices remain high, squeezing household budgets and eateries
Onion prices in Hyderabad have remained high for nearly two months, putting pressure on households, small vendors and eateries. Fluctuating supplies from Maharashtra have affected market rates, while consumers are cutting purchases and food businesses are reducing onion usage.
Hyderabad: Onion prices in Hyderabad have remained consistently high for the past two months, with no clear signs of a decline, putting additional pressure on household budgets and forcing hotels and eateries to cut down on their usage.
The city relies mainly on supplies from Maharashtra, and fluctuations in arrivals have affected prices in the wholesale and retail markets. Despite consumers hoping for a correction, onion prices have continued to remain a concern for households and small businesses.
Shyamlal, a commission agent at Mahboobgunj market, said prices had remained elevated for nearly two months, with the market yet to witness a sustained fall. The situation depends largely on arrivals from producing regions and the prices at which consignments reach the wholesale market.
Retail vendors said customers were buying smaller quantities or limiting purchases to what was essential. Syed Ali, a vegetable vendor, said high prices had affected demand, with many customers questioning the rates before making purchases. Small vendors, too, were finding it difficult to maintain sales as consumers became increasingly cautious about spending.
The impact has extended to hotels and eateries, where operators are reducing the quantity of onion used in cooking and salads. Some establishments are also cutting down on onion in food parcels to control costs and avoid increasing menu prices.
With onions being a staple in everyday cooking, the prolonged price rise has become a burden for both consumers and food businesses. Market participants said a sustained improvement in arrivals from Maharashtra and other supplying regions would be crucial for prices to ease. Until then, consumers are likely to continue feeling the pinch.
