Onion and Garlic Prices Plunge in Hili Market

In a welcome relief for consumers ahead of the festive season, the prices of indigenous onions and garlic have witnessed a significant downturn in the Hili market of Dinajpur. Within a mere three-day window, increased supplies from various wholesale trading hubs (mokams) have driven costs down, offering much-needed respite to the public during the holy month of Ramadan.

Market Trends and Price Adjustments

A survey of the Hili vegetable market conducted on Tuesday afternoon, 24 February, revealed a sharp decline in the cost of essential kitchen staples. Local onions, which were retailing at 45 BDT per kilogramme last week, have seen a reduction of 15 BDT, bringing the current price to approximately 30 BDT.

Similarly, the price of indigenous garlic has plummeted from 100–120 BDT to just 70 BDT per kilogramme. While these staples have become more affordable, other items like ginger remain stable, hovering between 110 BDT and 120 BDT.

Consumer and Vendor Perspectives

Rafiqul, a regular shopper at the Hili market, attributed the price drop to consistent market monitoring by the authorities. "Last week, onions were a burden on the pocket, but seeing them at 30 BDT today is a relief," he noted. "If the administration keeps the market under control throughout Ramadan, it will greatly benefit common buyers."

However, the sentiment amongst vendors is somewhat mixed. Raihan Kabir, a local trader, explained that while high supply at the wholesale level has lowered prices, footfall in the market remains unexpectedly low. He further suggested that the administration should focus their "mobile court" raids on large-scale wholesale hubs rather than retail shops to tackle the root of artificial price hikes.

Administrative Vigilance

Ashok Bikram Chakma, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Hakimpur, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing price manipulation. He stated that the local administration is actively working on the ground to ensure that unscrupulous traders do not create artificial crises through hoarding.

"We have already conducted several raids and imposed fines on non-compliant shops," the UNO remarked. "To protect the public interest, our surveillance will remain rigorous throughout the month of Ramadan."