The Centre on Sunday announced a ban on the export of onion to control the retail price hike of the bulb in markets across the country. The skyrocketing of onion prices was said to be the cause of the downfall of the Sushma Swaraj-led state government in Delhi in 1998. Efforts were taken to can exports by raising the minimum export price (MEP) of the bulb to a steep $850/- per tonne. At present, the price of onions at the Dubai and Singaporean markets vary between Rs 55-60/- per kg which can only allow a small margin. The present price hike is mainly due to a shortage due to a drought in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Source: Indian Express September 30, 2019 03:33 UTC