Pune | September 9, 2026 — Pune onion prices have increased by ₹25 per kilogram in about six weeks, with delayed cultivation of the new red-onion crop expected to keep consumers under pressure for at least another one-and-a-half to two months.
Wholesale onion prices at the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Market Yard in Pune have risen from ₹18–25 per kilogram around six weeks ago to ₹42–50 per kilogram at present, according to onion trader Ram Narwade. Retail prices in the city have reached ₹60–70 per kilogram.
The increase has been linked to a delay in the cultivation and arrival of the new red-onion crop. The report said a weak spell of rain affected planting, pushing back the start of the red-onion season in important growing areas across Maharashtra.
Red onions are cultivated on a large scale in Shirur, Khed and Ambegaon talukas of Pune district, as well as in Shrigonda and Parner in Ahilyanagar district. The Pune market is currently receiving onions from areas including Shirur, Khed, Manchar and Ambegaon, along with Parner and Shrigonda.
Traders said the new red-onion season is expected to begin only after about two months. Until then, prices are likely to remain firm, according to information cited in the report. The delayed crop has reduced the immediate prospect of additional supplies entering the wholesale market.
Supply conditions in southern states have also contributed to the pressure. Traders said onion cultivation in those states was affected by insufficient rain, limiting another source of arrivals for the market.
The current price movement follows two years in which onion farmers received weak returns for their produce, traders said. The improvement in prices has brought some relief to growers, even as it has increased costs for households and food businesses buying onions in Pune.
The price difference between the wholesale and retail markets means consumers are paying up to ₹70 per kilogram, while traders at the market yard are reporting rates of up to ₹50 per kilogram. Retail prices also reflect costs incurred after wholesale purchase, including handling, transport and selling expenses, although the report did not provide a separate break-up of these components.
For consumers, the immediate pressure is expected to continue until the next red-onion crop begins arriving in larger quantities. Traders have estimated that the higher prices could persist for at least one-and-a-half to two months, with the timing dependent on the delayed cultivation and the start of the new season.
