India has prohibited exports of onions in the wake of its rising prices in the country.

The commerce and industry ministry on Sunday amended the export policy of onion from free to prohibited. India exported fresh and chilled onions worth $496.82 million in 2018-19.

In a bid to control the soaring prices of the Indian kitchen staple, the government on Sunday banned the export of onions with “immediate effect” until further orders.

The move comes in the wake of the rising onion prices that has led to public outcry.

“Export policy of onion for the item description at Serial Number 51 & 52 of Chapter 7 of Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) classification of Export & Import Items is amended from free to prohibited till further orders.” The Ministry of Commerce & Industry further stated, India Today reports.

The surge in onion prices is said to be due to a depleted supply following months of incessant rainfall and flood-like situation in onion-producing states in the country.

Last week, retail prices of onion continued to remain high at Rs 70-80 per kg in the national capital Delhi and other parts of the country, despite government measures to boost the supply of onions.