Shopping for essentials today? Whether you’re a budget-conscious homemaker or a trader tracking the market, staying updated on vegetable costs is vital. Today, March 12, 2026, brings a wave of supply across Indian mandis, leading to significant price drops in major producing states while retail rates remain steady for consumers.
National Onion Price Overview
The agricultural landscape today is defined by heavy arrivals of the late Kharif crop. This surge in supply has resulted in a 24% year-on-year price decline compared to early 2025. While this is excellent news for the kitchen budget, it presents challenges for farmers in high-production belts who are seeing their margins squeezed.
State-Wise Price Comparison (Per Kg)
| State | Average Market Rate | Retail Price Range |
| Karnataka | ₹13.60 | ₹18.00 – ₹28.00 |
| Maharashtra | ₹12.00 | ₹15.00 – ₹25.00 |
| Delhi | ₹12.50 | ₹18.00 – ₹22.00 |
| Kerala | ₹28.50 | ₹30.00 – ₹45.00 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹22.00 | ₹24.00 – ₹35.00 |
| Punjab | ₹11.40 | ₹16.00 – ₹20.00 |
Detailed Analysis: Karnataka and Maharashtra
Karnataka’s market remains a focal point for South Indian supply. In the Bangalore APMC, the bulk rate is hovering around ₹8.00 per kg, making it one of the most affordable hubs in the region. However, specific quality variations in Kadur have pushed prices up to ₹26.03 per kg, highlighting how quality grading impacts the final pocket pinch.
In Maharashtra, the situation is even more dramatic. The Solapur Mandi has been inundated with over 4,000 tons of arrivals today. This massive volume caused a temporary crash in minimum prices, with some lower-grade varieties being auctioned at a symbolic ₹1.00 per kg. For premium quality, however, markets like Amravati are maintaining a healthier peak of ₹25.00 per kg.
Top Performing Mandis (Karnataka)
| Mandi Name | Minimum Price | Maximum Price | Average Price |
| Bangalore | ₹6.00 | ₹12.00 | ₹8.00 |
| Kadur | ₹18.00 | ₹32.00 | ₹26.03 |
| Mysore | ₹10.00 | ₹18.00 | ₹14.00 |
| Hubli | ₹5.00 | ₹15.00 | ₹10.00 |
The North Indian Market: Delhi and Punjab
The National Capital Region (NCR) continues to benefit from steady supply lines from Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Azadpur Mandi, Asia’s largest wholesale market, reported a stable average of ₹12.50 per kg. Retail prices in local Delhi neighborhoods like Rohini or Dwarka are hovering between ₹20 and ₹22 per kg, which is considered very affordable for this time of year.
Delhi Wholesale Rates
| Market Location | Rate Per Kg (Avg) | Trend |
| Azadpur | ₹12.50 | Stable |
| Keshopur | ₹18.00 | Slightly High |
| Okhla | ₹15.00 | Moderate |
Special Focus: Small Onions and Export Quality
While common red onions are cheap, the “Sambar” onion (Small Onion/Shallots) variety tells a different story. In markets like Chennai, these are retailing at a premium of ₹63 to ₹70 per kg. This is largely due to their specific cultivation requirements and high demand in traditional Southern Indian cuisine.
Furthermore, export-quality onions destined for Southeast Asian markets are fetching better prices than domestic grades. Farmers are encouraged to focus on curing and sorting their produce to access these higher-value tiers, especially as the domestic market remains oversaturated with high-moisture Kharif stocks that have a shorter shelf life.
Factors Influencing Prices Today
| Factor | Impact Level | Description |
| High Arrivals | Very High | 4,000+ tons in Solapur alone driving prices down. |
| Shelf Life | High | Farmers selling quickly due to moisture content in crops. |
| Logistics | Medium | Stable fuel prices ensuring smooth transport across states. |
| Seasonal Demand | Moderate | Steady household demand keeping retail prices from crashing. |
Expert Advice for Consumers and Farmers
For consumers, this is an ideal window to purchase in bulk for weekly needs, as prices are at a seasonal low. For farmers, the current “glit” in the market suggests a need for better storage infrastructure. Utilizing government-subsidized “Kanda Chawls” (onion storage structures) could help in delaying sales until the market stabilizes in the coming months.
Navigating the daily fluctuations of commodity prices can be tricky, but today offers a breath of relief for most Indian households. With steady supplies and accessible rates in major cities, the humble onion remains an affordable staple. Stay tuned to our daily updates for the latest shifts in India’s agricultural markets.
