Mumbai could soon face a sharp onion price surge ahead of Diwali, with traders at the APMC Onion-Potato Market in Navi Mumbai warning that extreme heat and unseasonal rain have severely damaged incoming stock.

According to traders and market officials, nearly 80 per cent of onions arriving at the wholesale market are damaged, leaving only a small quantity fit for sale. They warn that if the situation worsens, wholesale onion prices could rise to Rs 40-50 per kg during Diwali, while retail prices may touch Rs 60-70 per kg.