Onion traders on Wednesday said they have suspended auctions in all agriculture produce market committees in Nashik district and the protest will continue indefinitely, a development raising the fear of shortage of the kitchen staple in retail markets and hike in prices.

An office-bearer of the Nashik District Onion Traders Association (NDOTA) said they are protesting against the Union government’s recent move to increase export duty on onions up to 40 per cent, which will remain in force till December 31.