Govt bans onion exports as prices remain high due to seasonal shortage

The government on Sunday banned exports of onions, a common ingredient in cooking, as prices remain high due to a seasonal shortage which has been worsened by flooding in several states.

The government said exports will be prohibited with immediate effect.

In several cities prices of the vegetable have doubled in recent weeks, prompting the government of the world's biggest onion exporter to take steps to calm prices ahead of key state elections later this year.

In June, India withdrew 10% export incentives on onions after prices started to rise due to dwindling supplies from last year's harvest and a delay in planting