New Delhi, Sept. 6 -- The central government has sold nearly 4,000 tonnes of onions from its buffer stock across 17 cities during the first 10 days of a subsidised retail initiative intended to bring down sharply rising prices, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Sunday.

For 2026, the Centre has maintained a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes of onions through its agencies, NCCF and Nafed.

As part of efforts to stabilise retail prices, the agencies are moving onions in bulk from major producing states to consumption centres by trucks and a dedicated railway service called the "Kanda Express". The onions are being retailed at a subsidised price of Rs.35 per kg in selected cities where prices are particularly sensitive. ...