Anand Sharma links inflation in onion prices to 'artificial scarcity' created by hoarders

Rejecting the shortage in stocks, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Tuesday linked the inflation in onion prices to the artificial scarcity created due to hoarding of the vegetable, and urged the state governments to act firmly against the hoarders to bring down prices.

"It is true that inflation is a matter of concern, serious concern. But it is driven by vegetables and food. We hope it is temporary; it is seasonal and will settle down in particular in the case of onions," Sharma said at the sidelines of an event in the national capital.

"We have enough onions stocks in the country and the state governments must act firmly against the hoarders who are hoarding the onions which has led to the artificial scarcity and sharp escalation of prices," he added.

The wholesale and retail prices of onion across the country skyrocketed once again, ranging between Rs. 80 and Rs. 90, as of today.