Business

Government Lifts 20% Onion Export Duty Starting April 1

Published

1 year ago

March 24, 2025

The Centre has announced the removal of the 20 percent duty on onion exports, effective April 1. This decision follows a notification issued by the Department of Revenue on Saturday, based on recommendations from the Department of Consumer Affairs.

To secure adequate domestic supply, the government had implemented measures to regulate exports, including the imposition of duties, minimum export prices (MEP), and even a temporary prohibition on onion exports for nearly five months—from December 8, 2023, to May 3, 2024. The 20 percent export duty, which is now lifted, had been in effect since September 13, 2024.

Despite these export restrictions, total onion exports for FY 2023-24 reached 17.17 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), while for FY 2024-25 (up to March 18), exports stood at 11.65 LMT. The monthly onion export volumes increased from 0.72 LMT in September 2024 to 1.85 LMT in January 2025, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.

This decision reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring fair prices for farmers while keeping onions affordable for consumers at a critical time when both mandi and retail prices have decreased, attributed to the anticipated arrival of rabi crops in significant quantities.

Even though current mandi prices are higher than in previous years, there has been a notable 39 percent decrease in the all-India weighted average modal prices. Likewise, average retail prices across India have dropped by 10 percent over the past month.

Onion arrivals in key markets such as Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon have increased this month, contributing to a decline in prices. As of March 21, 2025, the modal prices in Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon were recorded at Rs 1330 per quintal and Rs 1325 per quintal, respectively.

According to estimates from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this year’s rabi onion production is projected at 227 LMT, an increase of over 18 percent compared to last year’s 192 LMT. Rabi onions, which account for 70-75 percent of India’s total onion production, are critical for ensuring overall availability and price stability until the kharif crop arrives in October/November. The anticipated higher production this season is expected to further alleviate market prices in the coming months.

This positive production and pricing outlook comes as a relief for the country, which has recently faced the dual challenges of reduced domestic production and elevated international prices since August 2023.

Business

Domestic LPG Cylinder Price Increased by Rs 29

Published

9 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: The price of domestic LPG cooking gas cylinders has been increased by Rs 29 across India. This is the second price hike in the last three months.

The increase comes as global energy prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

After the revision, a domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 942 in Delhi, Rs 941.40 in Mumbai, Rs 968 in Kolkata, and Rs 957.50 in Chennai. In Bengaluru, the new price is Rs 944.50 per cylinder.

The government said the cost of supplying LPG has increased significantly. However, subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continue to help over 10 crore beneficiaries.

Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices have also increased in recent weeks as global fuel markets remain volatile.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Honda Cars India has started delivering the new 2026 Honda City Hybrid to customers. The first car was handed over at a dealership in Bengaluru.

Honda President and CEO Takashi Nakajima attended the special delivery event. Other senior company officials were also present.

The first customer received a Crystal Black Pearl Honda City Hybrid. The car was delivered with a symbolic key and a gift hamper.

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The updated City comes with new features such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sunroof.

The sedan is available with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options. Honda claims the hybrid version delivers a mileage of 27.26 kmpl.

The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.