Pak onion imports fail to check price spiral

KARACHI, Sept 20 (The Dawn): Onions from Iran and Afghanistan have been finding their way into local markets for the last 10 days to bridge demand and supply gap following reports of crop damage in Sindh and Balochistan due to devastating rains.

However, consumers did not get any price relief as retailers are charging Rs 10 per kg extra on both the imported varieties ranging between Rs 50-60 per kg.

Market Committee Karachi Division Vice-Chairman Asif Ahmed said some 80-90 trucks carrying 15-20 tonnes of imported onions have been arriving daily in the Super Highway Subzi Mandi for over a week.

He, however, said Iranian onion is arriving through informal channels.

The wholesale price of Afghanistan and Iranian onion is Rs 1,800-2,000 and Rs 1,500-1,600 per 40 kg, respectively. He said the wet Balochistan crop is available at Rs 800-1,000 per 40 kg.

Falahi Anjuman Wholesale Market New Subzi Mandi Super Highway President Haji Shahjehan said rains and floods have definitely affected Sindh onion crop, but expressed the hope it will hit the markets by October end.