Onion Export Price from India 2026 — FOB Price Guide

Indian onion prices are among the most volatile of any agricultural export commodity. A combination of monsoon dependency, multiple crop seasons, domestic consumption pressures, and an active government export policy creates a price environment that can shift dramatically within weeks. As an importer, understanding what drives Indian onion prices helps you time your purchases better and avoid paying peak rates.

Current FOB Prices for Indian Onions — 2026

The following are indicative FOB prices from Indian ports (JNPT Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai) in 2026. Prices are in USD per metric tonne for standard export-grade red onion in 25kg mesh or net bags.

Estimated CIF Prices for Key Import Markets

What Makes Indian Onion Prices So Volatile?

Multiple Crop Seasons

India has three onion cropping seasons — Kharif (October–November), Rabi (February–May), and a summer crop (June–August). The Rabi crop is by far the largest and forms the backbone of the export season. When Rabi arrivals are strong, prices drop. In the gap between Kharif and Rabi — roughly December to January — stocks are tightest and prices typically peak. Importers who can plan around the Rabi season window (March–June for shipments) generally get the best pricing.

Government Export Policy

This is the most unpredictable factor in Indian onion pricing. When domestic onion prices rise sharply — which happens when crops are poor or demand surges — the Indian government has historically intervened by imposing a Minimum Export Price (MEP), export duties, or outright export bans. These measures protect domestic consumers but can strand importers mid-contract if they have not structured their purchase agreements with appropriate clauses. We cover this in detail in our guide on India's onion export ban policy.

Monsoon Performance

The southwest monsoon (June–September) directly determines the size of the Kharif onion crop and influences soil moisture for the Rabi planting. A weak monsoon in key growing districts like Nashik means smaller Kharif crop, higher prices in October–December, and potentially lower Rabi crop area if farmers are discouraged. A strong, well-distributed monsoon generally leads to larger crops and more competitive export prices the following season.

Cold Storage Stock Levels

India has significant cold storage capacity for onions, concentrated in Maharashtra. When traders store large volumes of Rabi onion in cold storage hoping for better prices later in the year, it reduces visible market supply and can push prices higher. When stored onions are released in bulk — either because prices have peaked or because new crop is arriving — prices can fall sharply within days. Tracking cold storage stock levels is a useful indicator of near-term price direction.

How to Protect Yourself Against Price Volatility

• Build purchase orders with a price validity clause — confirm the supplier holds the quoted price for at least 7–10 days while you finalise LC arrangements
• Avoid committing to large forward orders without a price review mechanism
• Monitor Lasalgaon market arrivals and prices online — several Indian market intelligence platforms publish daily data
• Diversify sourcing across Karnataka and Maharashtra suppliers to maintain supply continuity during regional crop failures
• Include force majeure and export ban clauses in your purchase agreements