Onion Prices Soar 50 Percent in a Week

After a temporary relief from high vegetable prices, onion prices have surged sharply, erasing much of that comfort. Within a week, onion prices have increased by up to 50 percent, now selling at Tk 110 to Tk 120 per kilogram.

In Dhaka’s retail markets, prices of several vegetables and daily commodities fell by 7 to 233 percent over the past month. However, the sudden spike in onion prices has disrupted market stability again.

Market analysts believe major manipulation has begun in the onion trade. Despite sufficient supply, a syndicate is creating an artificial crisis to inflate prices. They have urged the government to strengthen market monitoring immediately.

Visits to retail markets in Rampura, Badda, Mohakhali, and Joar Sahara revealed that the abundance of winter vegetables has brought a positive impact. Prices of eggs, chicken, and other products have also dropped.

A month ago, beans were sold at Tk 200–220 per kg, now down to Tk 60–80. Prices of eggplants, bitter gourds, okra, bottle gourds, pointed gourds, yardlong beans, and green chilies have also fallen. Farmers say favorable weather has boosted both production and supply.

Vegetable seller Md. Mahadi Hasan told the media, “Due to increased supply of winter vegetables, prices have dropped across the board.”

Shoppers Liza Akter and Md. Firoz said, “After a long time, people can buy vegetables comfortably. But the sudden rise in onion prices is offsetting that benefit.”

Md. Khalilur Rahman Sajal, executive director of the Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society, told the media, “A Tk 40 per kg rise in onion prices is not normal. The syndicate is exploiting the market by showing a false supply crisis. The government must investigate the real cause and bring those responsible under the law.”

Sellers claim that the price hike is due to a shortage of local onions, though analysts argue that there is no real shortage and that an old syndicate is destabilizing the market again.

Karwan Bazar wholesaler Md. Jalal Uddin said, “Prices have increased by Tk 35 to 40 per kg under the pretext of a supply shortage.”

Mohammad Abdul Majed, general secretary of the Shyambazar Onion Wholesalers Association, said, “Farmers have no onions left. In India, onions are selling for just Tk 15 per kg, so quick imports are necessary to stabilize the market.”

In producing regions like Pabna and Rajbari, prices have also surged. In Pabna, the price has jumped from Tk 60–70 to Tk 105–110 per kg within a week. In Rajbari, wholesale prices have reached Tk 3,700–4,100 per maund, affecting retail prices as well.

Khaborwala/TSN