Onions: India maintains its export ban until 31 March

On 8 December 2023, the Indian central government decided to ban onion exports until 31 March 2024, with the aim of increasing the volume of onions available on the domestic market and combating rising prices.

 

A few days ago, the local media reported that the ban might be lifted. This is because the idea had been floated in government circles of possibly authorising certain exports, only to 5 countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius) through government-to-government transactions and on the recommendation of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

 

Rohit Kumar Singh, Consumer Affairs Secretary, told Press Trust of India that the restrictions on onion exports remain in force until the originally scheduled date of 31 March 2024. This is to ensure the availability of onions for domestic consumers at affordable prices.