Onion prices in retail markets are ruling over twice the wholesale rates in almost all major cities as traders make merry with huge margins at the cost of consumers, who continue to pay higher prices.

According to Nashik-based National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation, while the wholesale price of onion in Mumbai was quoted at Rs 550 a quintal on Wednesday, retail price is ruling at a whopping Rs 1,400 per quintal.

Similarly, while the wholesale price of onion in Delhi is ruling at Rs 750/quintal, retail price was quoted at Rs 1,700. Commenting on the high prices in retail markets, Agri co-operative major Nafed's Managing Director Mr U K S Chauhan said that overs ees onion exports remained critical.

“Retail rates are higher by over 100 per cent of the wholesale prices. Probably the traders have become far too wise,” he said. Even big retailers have not extended the benefit of a slump in the wholesale prices to consumers. Onion prices in Mother Dai ry's Safal outlet are being still sold at Rs 15.90 per kg.

However, an onion trader with Delhi's Azadpur Mandi Sher Singh said, “Retail prices are high as the shopkeeper has to pay huge rentals, apart from providing wages to people and costs incurred on transportation.” However, prices would decline in the comi ng days as onion arrivals were expected to increase, he added.