Onions are selling at prices ranging from Rs 90 to Rs 100 per kilo in several parts of Assam, including Guwahati — part of a nationwide surge that is a growing concern for the state government. Retailers and wholesalers warn it could get worse.

"Earlier I used to buyfour kilos," a consumer said. "But now it has reduced to onekilo."

Hirak, who lives in Guwahati,also said he had reduced his consumption: to less than a kilo, from two orthree.

"The quality of onions being sold for Rs 80 per kilo isn't good. The good quality onions are selling at the price of Rs. 100 per kilo." Consumer claimed.

One wholesaler pointed toanother problem: tons of onions are found to be rotten, which hitsbusinessmen's pockets hard.

Meanwhile, Assam civilsupplies and consumer affairs minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury had declined themedia reports that onions are selling at prices ranging from Rs 90 to Rs 100per kilo. In the tussle between Food and Civil Supplies department and theretailers/wholesalers, it's the common man who pays the price.