Unseasonal Rainfall and Hailstorms Impact Onion Prices in India
Unseasonal Rainfall and Hailstorms Impact Onion Prices in India
IN · Published Aug 8, 2026
Onion prices in India have surged by 20% year-over-year due to a combination of factors, including the entry of higher-priced stored rabi (winter season) stocks into the market and supply constraints caused by unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in Maharashtra.
These weather events, which occurred in March and April, damaged late-season crops and inventory in Maharashtra, the country's top onion-producing state.

Impact & Risks

The rise in onion prices is expected to persist due to tight rabi supplies and a delay in kharif onion arrivals. This could lead to further increases in the cost of essential food items, impacting household budgets across India. Additionally, the rise in vegetable oil and LPG prices, driven by supply chain disruptions and higher energy costs, adds to the financial burden on consumers. The unseasonal weather events in Maharashtra have not only affected onion supplies but also highlight the vulnerability of agricultural production to climate variability.

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