The Indian government has imposed a 40% tax on onions for export as prices of the vegetable spike, driving up retail prices of what is a key food item for many households in the country. Traders told the Economic Times that in September prices of quality onions could near double. Possible hoarding could lead to immediate inflation even before the export taxes come into force, while supply concerns could bring prices down again in the future. However, onions have a bearing on the Indian political circuit too and controlling the prices are crucial in run up to elections.