Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Dec 20: Onion prices, which recently grabbed headlines due to a steep hike, are now dropping as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach.

Traders attribute the price reduction to the arrival of new onions in the market. Initially, new onions had high moisture content and would spoil quickly, prompting consumers to opt for old onions at a reduced rate of Rs 70-75 per kg. However, as old onions have now started sprouting, consumers are shifting their preference to better-quality new onions.

Over the past week, onion prices have fallen to Rs 55 per kg and are expected to decline further. Stockists, who had hoarded onions anticipating a price surge following heavy rains this year, are now worried about potential losses.

Meanwhile, the price of eggs has risen to Rs 7.50 apiece, with wholesale prices ranging from Rs 6.70 to Rs 7. Eggs remain in high demand, especially for cake preparation during the festive season.

Vegetable prices are fluctuating due to the ongoing Sabarimala season. Potato prices have dropped to Rs 40 per kg, but beans and okra, which were sold at Rs 60 per kg, have soared to Rs 90-100. Beetroot is now priced at Rs 70-80 per kg, while gherkins have jumped to Rs 100 per kg from Rs 60. Cucumber prices have doubled from Rs 30 to Rs 60 per kg, with other vegetables also showing a similar upward trend.