Due to the decline in supply of Onions because of unseasonal rains and hailstorms  the Lasalgaon  Agriculture produce Market Committee in Maharashtra  which is the country’s largest wholesale market for onions , stated that the wholesale market price of Onions  has increased by 24.13% over all and this impact has been felt in the Onion markets across the country. With monsoon rains expected to be lower than normal levels, the government is monitoring the prices of 22 essential commodities with onions, potatoes, milk, pulses and non-basmati rice coming under special focus. In Delhi, the Centre had ordered a special drive to ensure that there was adequate supply of onions and potatoes at reasonable rates. Finance minister Arun Jaitley is scheduled to meet state food and consumer affairs ministers this week, where the issue of rise in food prices will be discussed and sorted out.