India, Oct. 2 -- As prices of Maharashtra onions surge amid dwindling stocks, Egyptian onions have made their entry into the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), offering some relief to bulk buyers facing higher costs.

Two containers carrying around 60 tonnes of Egyptian onions have arrived at the market. The imported variety is selling at Rs.38-40 per kg, compared with Rs.45-50 per kg for Maharashtra onions. Traders said hotels and other bulk buyers, rather than retail consumers, are driving demand for the imported produce.

"The first two containers have come to the market. This produce mainly goes to the hotel line, where the demand is higher. Very little of it goes to retail," said trader Rahul Shelke.

Egyptian onions...