Onion prices fall across country

KARACHI: Onion prices have dropped dramatically in markets across the country following a ban on the export of the vegetable to India.

“Currently, onions are selling for Rs28-30 per kg in the wholesale market in Karachi while in Punjab the price is about Rs35 per kg,” said Vice President Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers Association, Asim Ahmed.

Prices had spiralled after news that onions were being exported to neighbouring India, which was facing acute shortage of the commodity due to damage to crops by unseasonal rains. However, following a ban on export through land route, prices have dropped.

Retail price of the vegetable was about Rs35 per kg in Karachi while in Punjab the rate stood at about Rs38 per kg.

Vegetable exporters said that the reduction in prices will also open up additional avenues for export to China, Iran and the Middle East.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2011.