Onion surges to Rs180 per kilo on massive exports

Good quality onion prices have swelled to Rs160-180 per kg from Rs120-140 two weeks back as retailers blame massive exports for the price spiral. They said that many inflation-hit consumers have restricted their purchases to less than one kg to manage their daily expenses of other items due to high prices. There is also no relief in new potato prices which are available at Rs120 per kg, while Commissioner Karachi issued the retail rates at Rs109 per kg on Tuesday. Also, consumers complain vegetable vendors are selling wet onions in various areas. Commissioner Karachi’s price lists reveal Mandi/Bachat Bazaar and retail rates of onion at Rs140 and Rs160 per kg on Dec 5 as compared to Rs120 and Rs138 on Dec 1.