Government bans onion export till next March

To boost domestic supply and control prices, the government has banned onion exports until March of next year.

Onions are sold by street vendors in the capital city for between Rs. 70 and Rs. 80 per kg.

“Export policy of onions… is amended from free to prohibited till March 31, 2024,” the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

To help consumers, the Center had earlier in October decided to increase the sale of buffer onion stock in retail markets at a subsidized rate of ₹ 25 per kg.

The government has previously taken several actions to control prices. From October 28 to December 31 this year, it has set a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne for onion exports.

India levied a 40% export tax on onions in August, with the duty expiring on December 31.

However, the DGFT added, exports of onions will only be permitted if the government grants permission to other nations upon their request.

It further stated that exports of onion shipments whose loading had started prior to this notice are permitted.

Additionally, exports are permitted for shipments where a shipping bill has been filed, the vessel has already berthed and anchored in Indian ports for the purpose of loading onions, and their rotation number has been assigned prior to this notification.

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