B Mirror Report: The prices of onions have fluctuated in the capital’s marketplaces on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Within a week, dealers have hiked prices by Tk 10 to Tk 15 per kilogram, citing increased demand and shortfalls in supply. Onions are currently being offered for Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg on the first day of Ramadan. Ordinary customers are struggling as a result of the substantial increase in the cost of necessities at the beginning of Ramadan.
Such a picture was observed on Thursday (February 19) morning during visits to Mohammadpur Town Hall Market, Dhanmondi kitchen market, kawranbazar and several other markets in the capital.
On-the-spot observations show that onion prices in various retail markets in the capital have increased significantly over the past few days. The price per kilogram has gone up by Tk 10 to Tk 15. On the first day of Ramadan, onions are selling for Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg, while smaller-sized onions are being sold at Tk 55. However, good-quality onions are not available below Tk 60 per kg in any shop. The price hike has put additional pressure on general consumers.
Onion trader Mahmud said prices have been rising for the past two to three days, not just today. He attributed the increase to reduced supply toward the end of the season, higher transportation costs and rising demand. Demand at the wholesale level has increased ahead of Ramadan, which has affected retail markets as well.
Retailers claim they are forced to sell at higher prices because they are buying onions at increased rates from wholesale markets. Many sellers said onion prices have risen several times at the wholesale hubs compared to before, leaving them with no option but to adjust retail prices accordingly. The impact of Ramadan is also visible in the wholesale market.
Meanwhile, a customer named Mariz Hossain said traders look for opportunities to overcharge customers whenever Ramadan arrives. “Last week I bought two kilograms of onions for less than Tk 100, but today they are asking Tk 120 to Tk 130,” he said.
Rickshaw puller Md. Al Amin said he bought onions two days ago from a van at Tk 50 per kg. “I have a small family, so it will last about a week. After that, I will have to buy at higher prices. We knew prices would rise during Ramadan—traders increase prices whenever the fasting month begins,” he added.
