Onions rolled out to market; price at MVR 35 per kilo

Onions have been rolled out to market following a shortage caused by delays in the clearance of goods by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

As of Wednesday, the price per kilo of onions stands at MVR 35, with a sack costing between MVR 450 and MVR 500.

Previously, the price for a kilo of onions was MVR 11.

The shortage of onions saw its prices rise in the market. In this regard, on Tuesday, onions were at MVR 30 per kilo and MVR 360 per sack.

Sellers who spoke to Sun on Wednesday said onions were being slowly rolled out to the market. However, they emphasized that current stock levels remain very low despite this.

Speaking with Sun on Tuesday, sellers said the onion shipment was at the port of Male' but customs clearance was suspended due to the Independence Day holidays. Consequently, major retailers and wholesalers within the city are presently out of onions. Onions are presently only obtainable from smaller retail establishments.

Meanwhile, State Trading Organization (STO) said it had decided to import a supply of onions from India to alleviate the issue.

The state-owned company often imports special stocks of essential food items during shortages or to control prices during Ramadan.