Tamil Nadu warns action against hoarding as onion hits Rs 90 a kg in retail

Special panels set up for checks across districts; state buys onions from Nasik in Maharashtra to rein prices, regulate quality

Tamil Nadu Government said that it would take action against traders hoarding onions or selling them at higher prices after prices crossed around Rs 90 a kg in the state's retail markets.

The state government said that special committees led by Civil Supplies commissioners have been constituted for checks in all districts.

Retailers holding over 10 tonnes and wholesalers stocking over 50 tonnes will be facing action.

The state government also sent a team to Nasik in Maharashtra to buy onions as part of its plan to control prices and regulate the quality of onions. The procured crop will be sold through co-operative societies.

According to reports, the price at the wholesale market in Koyambedu was about Rs 60 a kg and the retail price was Rs 80. In several places, it even hit Rs 90-100 a kg.