The government on Tuesday said the hike in onion prices is temporary and the situation is being monitored closely.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said, a temporary shortage of onions is mainly due to rain and flood situation in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, affecting transportation.

The Minister said adequate buffer stock of 50 thousand tonnes of onions is available. Of this, 15 thousand tonnes have been distributed. He said, if needed, state governments can approach the Centre for remaining 35 thousand tonnes.