Onion prices are twice as high as they were two months ago. From an average of Rs75 this year, they had jumped to Rs174 by October 30 across Pakistan before dipping down. In some cities, they went as high as Rs270. Floods have not only impacted crops but have also deteriorated soil quality, leaving it prone to disease. The ongoing Afghanistan conflict makes onion imports out of the question. Since only limited imports are coming from Iran, gravies might remain pricier in the near future. However, as stocks from Sindh start to trickle in, its possible that the downward pressure on onion prices will continue.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, November 17th, 2025