BM Desk : Onion prices have soared in the capital, leaving consumers frustrated as the staple vegetable surged from Tk70 to Tk120 per kilogram within a week. A visit to wholesale and retail markets yesterday revealed a sharp jump of Tk40–50 per kg compared to last week.
In retail outlets, onions were being sold between Tk110 and Tk120 per kg, while wholesale prices per palla (5 kg) have doubled from Tk260 to Tk520, with some traders charging up to Tk540 per palla.
Shariful, an onion trader at Uttar Badda kitchen market, said wholesale prices had risen by Tk26–28 per kg within just two to three days, forcing retailers to pass on the cost to consumers. Another trader, Aminul, noted that dwindling supply amid high demand has been driving the surge.
City residents expressed concern over the abrupt rise. “Just three days ago, onions were Tk80 a kg. Now it’s over Tk100. There’s no logic behind such a sudden spike,” said Fahmidul, a customer at Karwan Bazar.
Wholesalers blamed rising per-maund costs and alleged middlemen hoarding onions to sell later at inflated prices. Sanoar Hossain, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda, said, “The price of onions doubled within a week. We had to buy at Tk4,000 per maund. Once we started selling, the market price jumped overnight.”
Consumers criticized ineffective market monitoring. Shopper Maymuna Akter commented, “Farmers don’t get fair prices, and sellers blame supply issues. The government must take responsibility, but nothing changes.”
Most onions in Dhaka are sourced from Pabna, Faridpur, and Rajbari, where prices have also climbed to nearly Tk100 per kg.
Zahidul Islam, Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer, explained the surge is seasonal. “From late October to early December, prices usually rise. Farmers have run out of stock, and supply now rests with wholesalers. Until new onions arrive, prices will remain high.” He added that import restrictions and high prices in India have also affected the domestic market.
Obaidur Rahman Mondol, Director at the Department of Agricultural Extension, said early varieties of onions are expected in the market by early to mid-December. However, some farmers cultivating murikata onions are cautious due to past losses. Arshad Molla from Pabna said, “Last season we lost Tk500–1,000 per maund. Prices fall sharply when new harvests arrive.”
Despite these concerns, the Department of Agricultural Extension does not anticipate major supply issues. “Harvest may be delayed by only four to five days. Murikata onions are planted on high ground, so waterlogging is not a significant risk,” Mondol added.
While traders cite import delays, the Ministry of Commerce said any import decisions will follow market reviews. A senior official noted that Bangladesh produces 3.5 million tonnes annually but imports 500,000–700,000 tonnes due to spoilage.
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has claimed the hike is artificial, driven by market manipulation amid political instability. CAB Vice President Nazer Hossain said, “If the government stops manipulation, prices will drop automatically.”
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), onion prices have risen more than 50% in a month. Consumer rights groups have called for stronger market monitoring to control the surge.
