KUWAIT CITY, Dec 14: Over the past two days, the price of a kilogram of onions has sharply risen, reaching 500 fils for Indian onions and 350 fils for Turkish and Iranian onions. This surge is attributed to numerous obstacles in the import process from exporting countries.

In Shubra Al-Sulaibiya, insights into the sudden price increase were sought, where vegetable importer provided valuable information. Salama explained that the demand for onions in the Kuwaiti market is substantial. Traditionally, onions were imported from Pakistan, Egypt, and India at a rate of 100 quintals per day, maintaining appropriate prices and ample quantities. However, exports from these countries ceased due to drought and inadequate production. Furthermore, imports from Sudan were halted due to the ongoing war in that nation.

In response, importers shifted their focus to Iran and Turkey for onion supplies. Unfortunately, recent disruptions in imports from Iran have further contributed to the escalating prices. Presently, the cost of a 15-kilogram burlap sack has reached 4.5 dinars. The vegetable importer noted that there are pending orders from Iran and Turkey expected to arrive within the next 20 days. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that prices will continue to rise until the beginning of the next year.

Farmer Faisal Al-Damak confirmed that Kuwaiti farms concluded onion production last June, with the next harvest expected in April of the following year. This highlights the nation's reliance on importers to meet its onion demand. It's important to highlight that Jaber Al-Azmi, the head of the Kuwaiti Farmers Union, had previously warned of an impending onion crisis in an interview on May 15. The current surge in prices underscores the significance of addressing the challenges in the onion supply chain to ensure stable prices for consumers in Kuwait.