A sudden shortage of onions and subsequent price hikes have prompted APMC traders to import this produce from Iran and Egypt. Hundreds of tonnes have arrived at JNPT, raising hopes that prices will drop soon soon.

While Indian onions sell for Rs 60-75/kg at the APMC market in Navi Mumbai, Iranian bulbs can touch a maximum of Rs 55/kg, said one trader. The average wholesale price of Indian onions was Rs 21/kg last month.