Centre Ensures Price Stability for Tomato, Onion, and Potato Despite Monsoon Disruptions

New Delhi – The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has assured that prices of key kitchen staples—tomato, onion, and potato—remain largely stable across the country, with temporary fluctuations in some regions caused by weather-related disruptions rather than any fundamental supply shortage.

According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, most monitored food commodities are showing either stable or declining prices on a year-on-year basis. The cost of a homemade thali in July 2025 dropped by 14% compared to the same month last year, underscoring continued moderation in food inflation.

Tomato prices in Delhi saw a temporary spike due to heavy rainfall in northern and north-western states since late July, pushing rates up to ₹85 per kg at the end of last month. The average retail price in the capital now stands at ₹73 per kg, but with daily arrivals at Azadpur Mandi returning to normal, both wholesale and retail prices have begun to ease. In contrast, cities like Chennai and Mumbai, unaffected by abnormal weather, have seen tomatoes selling at ₹50 and ₹58 per kg respectively. Nationally, the average tomato price is ₹52 per kg—lower than ₹54 last year and far below the ₹136 recorded in 2023.

To curb prices, the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) has been procuring tomatoes from Azadpur Mandi since August 4 and selling them directly to consumers with minimal margins. So far, 27,307 kilograms have been sold through outlets at Nehru Place, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk, and Rajiv Chowk, along with mobile vans operating in various parts of Delhi.

The Ministry highlighted that unlike previous years, prices of major vegetables have remained under control during the monsoon season. In the case of potatoes and onions, higher production in 2024–25 compared to the previous year has ensured ample supply and lower retail prices. The government has also built a three-lakh-tonne onion buffer for price stabilisation, with calibrated releases planned from September 2025.

By actively monitoring supply and intervening when necessary, the Centre aims to keep essential vegetable prices affordable for households across the country, even during periods of seasonal volatility.