Onion is currently being sold at Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg at retail markets in Mumbai.

A 30-35% drop in overall onion production is feared as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are experiencing production crisis.

The letter requests the Indian High Commission to convey the message to authorities in New Delhi and take necessary measures to resume onion exports taking into consideration the excellent ties between the neighbours.

Several economists emphasise that the current food inflation is a 'one-off situation due to monsoon disturbances' and not due to 'structural issues'.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said she does not eat onions, underlining the issue did not personally affect her.

The indications of a slowing economy have been in the air for some time. The government’s reaction, though, has been aimed at downplaying the bad picture emerging.

P Chidambaram spoke to media for the first time in 106 days and commented on most of the topics that have been making headlines.

The Finance Minister also said the government has taken several steps to check rising prices of onion.

The youth wing of the Samajwadi Party, on Saturday, set up a counter in Varanasi where they gave onions on loan. People can 'mortgage' their Aadhar cards as security and take onions.

In October last year, it was 1.27 per cent.