New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS): Onions at a nominal price will be available here from Saturday through 1,000 outlets, including 600 mobile vans, an official statement said Friday.

"The city government is facilitating sale of onions at reasonable prices across Delhi at no-profit no-loss basis. From Aug 17, the sale would start at about 1,000 points across the city," said the statement.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Friday held a meeting with Food and Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf, Delhi Development Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, Chairman of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) Bijender Singh, Chief Secretary D.M. Spolia and other senior officials to discuss ways to curb the rising onion prices.

According to the statement, apart from the fact that Delhi is a non-onion producing state, heavy rains, floods and damaged roads in some parts of the country have contributed to the lack of adequate supply of onion to Delhi.

The restrictions on movement of traffic due to security reasons ahead of Independence Day further added to the woes.

"Yesterday (Thursday) being a national holiday, there was no arrival of onions in Delhi. The situation is expected to improve today (Friday)," said the statement.

The price of onions in the wholesale market is Rs.50 a kg, but it ranged between Rs.60 and Rs.80 a kg in retail stores.

Dikshit directed all departments concerned to keep a close eye on the prices and availability of essential commodities including onions, pulses, sugar, tomatoes and potatoes.

She also told officials to take strict action against hoarders and black-marketers.