United News of Bangladesh

In a shocking surge, onion prices have doubled in just 10 days, forcing consumers to shell out an extra Tk 3.5 crore every single day. Amid this price turmoil, the government’s ‘hesitation’ over import approvals has left both shoppers and farmers stranded, caught in a tightening grip of uncertainty and financial strain. Consumer rights groups and market experts say the crisis is driven by delayed imports, weak market management and syndicate activities. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has calculated that the country’s daily consumer demand for onions stands at around 7,000 metric tonnes. With prices rising from Tk 60–70 per kg to Tk 110–120 per kg in a short span, the extra daily burden on consumers’ pockets reaches Tk 3.5 crore. Read more: Govt may allow onion imports if prices remain high this week Former director general of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Rights Protection and CAB president AHM Safiquzzaman criticised the government’s indecision. “The government is indecisive on onion imports. Meanwhile, consumers are losing crores of taka daily,” he said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said the government would allow imports if prices do not come down this week, but warned that local farmers could suffer losses as a result. Safiquzzaman argued that import approval should have come in September–October. “By delaying imports until after the price surge, consumers are suffering. Limited imports earlier could have prevented the current shortage,” he said, adding that some unscrupulous traders are exploiting the situation while the Commerce Adviser searches for syndicates. The CAB president also questioned the Agriculture Ministry’s claim of 3.5 million tonnes of onion production this year, saying it is unreliable. Currently, onions are scarce in farmers’ hands and largely held by wholesalers, leaving imports as the only viable solution. On Thursday, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) recommended onion imports to the commerce and agriculture ministries, citing weak market management and manipulation by intermediaries as reasons behind runaway prices. Read more: Onion prices skyrocket in Dhaka; from Tk 70 to Tk 120 per kg Data shows that while onion prices remained relatively stable over the past two to three months, they surged 37–42 per cent in the last week. BTTC said the abnormal price hike indicates market mismanagement and syndicate activity. Abdul Bayes, former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University and an agricultural economist, said, “Without breaking syndicates and corporate oligarchies in agriculture, such dilemmas will recur. Unscrupulous groups exploit these situations at the expense of farmers and consumers.” Most onion imports come from India, where prices are around Tk 16 per kg (USD 195 per tonne). BTTC noted that even with a 10 per cent import duty, prices could drop by Tk 50 per kg domestically. The Agriculture Ministry, however, said 75,000 tonnes of domestic onions would arrive within a week, with early December seeing the harvest of small ‘murikata’ onions. “We have informed the Commerce Ministry that new onions will reach the market within two weeks. Whether any import decision has been formally made is not yet known to us,” said Additional Secretary Mahmudur Rahman. Read more: Onion import through Benapole Port resumes after 2.5 years Historical analysis by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) shows onion prices typically spike by over 100 per cent in November compared to March, providing opportunistic traders with profit margins while farmers lack produce. In districts like Pabna, Faridpur and Rajbari, farmers have planted ‘murikata’ onions, with production costs around Tk 1,500 per maund. Rokonuzzaman, a farmer from Goalanda in Rajbari, said, “Last year’s 'murikata' crop incurred losses. With Indian onions entering the market, the price per maund drops to Tk 1,200–1,400, forcing farmers to sell at a loss. This year, prices below Tk 2,000 per maund would still cause losses.” Market stakeholders blame the ministry’s lack of foresight for creating a situation where consumers bear the brunt while farmers face uncertainty. Read more: Onion farmers in Shailkupa hit by fertiliser shortage during peak season

Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will continue selling of daily essentials at subsidised rates throughout Ramadan, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating TCB’s sales operation at the Shibbari intersection in Khulna, he said the initiative follows directives from the Chief Adviser to support low-income families during the holy month. The TCB has already launched its operation in 13 areas, including all divisional headquarters and five designated areas, aiming to provide essentials to 12 lakh families, Bashir Uddin said. He also highlighted that TCB supplies goods to 63 lakh families, with the highest smart card conversion success rate recorded in the Khulna region. TCB ready to resume sales through trucks offering subsidised essentials The remaining smart cards will be activated by February 24, further increasing the number of beneficiaries, he added. To expand coverage, truck sales will continue until the last day of Ramadan, ensuring an additional 12 lakh families can access essential goods at lower prices. The initiative is expected to help stabilize market prices and provide relief to marginalized communities. TCB trucks selling edible oil at Tk100 per liter set to hit the streets from tomorrow An additional 9,000 metric tons of goods will be distributed through these trucks, the adviser said. Fixed Prices for Essential Items Each buyer will be able to purchase:               •           Soybean oil: Up to 2 liters at Tk 100 per liter               •           Lentils and chickpeas: Up to 2 kg each at Tk 60 per kg               •           Sugar: Up to 1 kg at Tk 70 per kg               •           Dates: Up to 500 grams at Tk 156 per kg          

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will sell five products, including bottled soybean oil, at affordable prices from Monday (Feb 10). Any consumer can purchase these products from mobile trucks by standing in line. The TCB said this in an official notification on Sunday. Nagorik Committee demands resumption of sales in TCB trucks, VAT rollback TCB informed that the sale of TCB products (edible oil and pulses) at affordable prices is ongoing among families holding ‘Smart Family Cards’. In addition, TCB products such as oil, pulses, sugar, chickpeas, and dates will be sold to general consumers at subsidized prices through mobile trucks in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong. A person can buy a maximum of two liters of soybean oil at Tk100 per liter, two kilograms each of lentils at Tk60 per kg, and chickpeas at Tk60 per kg, Sugar 1 kg at Tk 70 per kg, dates 500 grams at Tk 155. TCB activities to be digitised with smart family cards: Commerce Adviser

The government has approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tonnes of lentils spending Tk 98 crore for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP), chaired by Economic Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Thursday. According to meeting sources, the proposal was put forward by the Ministry of Commerce, seeking the procurement of lentils to bolster TCB's supply. Govt approves imports of wheat, fertilizer, LNG, and printing of school books The purchase will be made from Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries. The total expenditure for the lentils will amount to Tk 97.91 crore, setting the price at Tk 97.91 per kilogram. These lentils will subsequently be distributed among TCB Family Cardholders at subsidised rates to support low-income households. Govt approves import of LNG from Brunei In addition to lentils, the interim government approved the procurement of rice, liquefied natural gas (LNG), soybean oil, palm oil and sugar during the same meeting. This initiative aims to stabilise the market and ensure essential goods remain accessible to citizens amidst fluctuating prices.

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC) has called on the government to immediately resume the sales of essential commodities in TCB trucks and withdraw recent hikes in VAT and supplementary duties to alleviate the plight of the country's low-income population. Addressing a press conference at the organisation’s central office in Bangla Motor on Saturday, JNC Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain criticised the suspension of the truck sales programme, which he described as a vital lifeline for marginalised communities. “The programme provided essential commodities at subsidised prices. Halting it has stripped the marginalised of their minimal rights guaranteed by the state,” he said. Hossain urged the government to prioritise the welfare of citizens amid soaring market prices. “Under the current economic conditions, further burdening ordinary people is unacceptable. The sacrifices made to end autocracy must not be in vain,” he added. TCB activities to be digitised with smart family cards: Commerce Adviser The JNC leader also demanded the government revoke the ordinance increasing VAT and supplementary duties and resume the TCB truck sales programme without delay. Highlighting corruption, Hossain alleged that $234 billion was siphoned off the country during the previous government’s 15-year rule. He urged the current administration to take stringent measures to recover the laundered funds and reconsider the terms of International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans to ensure sound economic management. “The government must adopt prudent measures to safeguard the economy instead of succumbing to harsh loan conditions.” TCB products to be available without family card In response to journalists' questions, Hossain cautioned against conflating the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971 with the Constitution of 1972, a stance he claimed is perpetuated by some political parties. On the next national election, the JNC criticised calls for expedited national polls, arguing that such demands disregard public interests.  The committee suggested that simultaneous national and local government elections could be conducted if the authorities so desired, her added.

State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu on Tuesday (May 07, 2024) said Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is expected to begin sale of goods at subsidised rate from permanent shops from July this year. The state minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural progamme of selling 3 essential products among 1 crore family card holders across the country in Norda-Baridhara area in the capital. He said that the government is working to ensure the supply of essential commodities at an affordable price. “No one can manipulate the market if the supply of essential commodities remains sufficient.” Read more: Nationwide Boro paddy procurement begins Titu requested local public representatives to conduct TCB activities through permanent shops so that people can purchase goods at their convenience. "During Ramadan, there was a ban on onion export in India. But we imported onions from India under special arrangements through TCB. Our goal was to ensure that people could buy onions at an affordable price. As a result, the price of onions is still within reach for many people," he said. He said, “We must need to ensure that only eligible people get goods from TCB. The list would be updated periodically. We also plan to increase the number of products which are sold through TCB." Through the family cards the TCB is providing 5 kg rice at Tk 30 per kg, 2-liter soybean oil at Tk 100 per liter and  2 kgs of lentil at Tk60 per kg for May, 2024. Read more: Hasan Mahmud shares 5 major take-away from IOM report from Bangladesh perspective

Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will procure 1.10 crore litres of edible oil and 10,000 metric tons of lentil to sell through its open market sale (OMS) programme. Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) approved two separate proposals in this regard in a meeting on Thursday, presided over by Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali. Don’t listen to rumours involving commodity prices: PM  The Commerce Ministry placed the proposals on behalf of the TCB. According to proposals, the TCB will import 1.10 crore litres of Soybean oil through open tender from  City Edible Oil Ltd. at a total cost of Tk 174.66 crore with each litre at Tk 165.25. Jatka conservation week to begin March 11 The TCB will procure 10,000 metric tons of lentil at a cost of Tk 83.12 crore from Nabi Naba Food Limited with each kg at Tk 103.09.

The price of Murikata, an early variety of onion, jumped by Tk 20 per kg to Tk 105 per kg on Tuesday (January 30, 2024), compared to Tk 80 to 85 per kg two days ago in Dhaka. Though the wholesaler said that onion prices have dropped slightly in the wholesale market, the effect is yet to be visible in the retail market. On Tuesday, onion prices in the capital ranged from Tk100 to Tk105 depending on quality at Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Malibagh, and Santinagar. Khalilo Mia, owner of Hasan store at Shantinagar Bazar, told UNB that good-quality onions have arrived in the market at a higher rate. As the quality of this onion is slightly better, the price has also increased. However, there is no shortage of onion supply, he said. The price of Murikata onions has also increased in the market price report released by the state marketing agency, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). According to its report, new local Murikata onions were sold for Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kg in different markets in Dhaka. A week ago, the price of this variety of onion was selling at Tk75 to 80 per kg; the imported onion price was Tk85 to Tk90 per kg. However, local and imported onion prices rose by 23 and 26 percent, respectively, during the week, according to TCB. Read more: Sylhet fixes price of local variety onion at Tk 120, Indian variety at Tk 140 Onion prices have also increased in Sujanagar and Santhia upazilas of Pabna, one of the main production areas of Murikata onion. On Monday, in these upazilas, the price of onions was Tk71 to Tk78 per kg in the local wholesale markets. Onion prices have increased in the district compared to last week. Last week, the price of fresh onion there was Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg. The prices of other curry items like garlic and ginger have also increased by Tk10 per kg. On Tuesday, these items were selling for between Tk240 and Tk270 per kg, respectively, compared to Tk230 and Tk260 per kg last week. The prices of all other vegetables have increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg this week compared to the last week. However, bean, eggplant, and tomato were selling between Tk 60 to 100 based on quality, potato at Tk 50 to 60 per kg, bitter gourd at Tk 80 kg, balsam apple at Tk 100 to 120 kg, okra at Tk 80 to 100 per kg, cucurbitaceous at Tk 80 per kg, cucumber at Tk 60 to 70 kg, spone gourd at Tk 80 per kg, arum at 80 to 90 kg, radish and carrot at Tk 50 to 60 kg, green papaya at Tk 40 kg, French bean at Tk 100 to 110 kg, snake gourd at Tk 70 to 75 kg, pumpkin (medium size) at Tk 80 to 100 per piece, cauliflower and broccoli at Tk 50 to 70 piece, bottle gourd at Tk 80 to 100 piece, ash gourd at Tk 50 to 60 piece, coriander leaves at Tk 200 kg—Capsicum (red) at Tk 300 to Tk370 per kg base on size and quality. Read more: Govt directs to intensify field-level monitoring on onion prices The discomfort remains in the fish and meat market. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk200–220 per kg, and Sonaly chicken (a Pakistani variety) at Tk320–340 per kg. Beef, which was sold at Tk 650 in many places a couple of weeks ago, is now being sold at Tk 700 per kg everywhere. Prices of eggs are increasing by Tk 5 to 7 in a dozen this week. Per dozen, brown eggs (hens) are at Tk 140 to 145, 5–10 taka less than white eggs. Duck eggs were selling for Tk 180 to 190 per dozen, while eggs of indigenous domestic rearing chicken were selling for Tk 210 per dozen. The prices of fish are higher now compared to a few months ago. However, tilapia, pangas, and carp were selling for between Tk220 and 260 per kg. Among other fish, the price of medium-sized weighing 1.5 kg to 2 kg farming Rui, Katla, and Mrigel fish was selling at Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kg. Also, Pabda, Tengra, Koi, sheat (boal), chital, and Hilsa fish are not below Tk600 per kg. The bigger fish, like coral, boal, and river pangas, were selling for between Tk700 and 1100 per kg at Karwan Bazar. When asked about the price hike, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP), AHM Shafiquzzama, told UNB that his office would drive against the unusual price hike of these essentials. He also said that a few months ago, he warned different ministries and directorates to take steps to increase the supply of essentials, including onions and potatoes, to control prices. Consumers Association of Bangladesh vice president SM Nazer Hossain said consumers in Bangladesh are having a hard time amid record prices of commodities due to higher inflation. Farm eggs, broiler chicken, and cultured fish are key protein sources for millions of poor people in the country, he said. Prices of all such products have increased, forcing a vast population to cut their protein and other nutrition-rich food intake, Nazer said. Read more: Chapainawabganj farmers reap benefits of bountiful summer onion harvest

Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will start sale of four daily essentials—lentils, soybean oil, potatoes, and onions—in trucks at various points in the capital from Tuesday (November 14, 2023) alongside its family card programme. These products will be available at half of the current market price. Secretary to the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh said these while talking to reporters at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat on Monday. “Through the TCB card, 13 lakh families in Dhaka are being given products at a fair price. Apart from this, from Tuesday (November 14), 25 to 30 trucks will sell products in Dhaka when 9000 more families will be able to buy goods at lower prices. 300 people will get these products from each truck. Sales will take place every day except Fridays and Saturdays, with different days allocated to different places,” he said. Read: TCB to import soybean oil, lentil for OMS programme He said that the truck sale would be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the increase in imports, the scope of this truck sale will be increased, said the commerce secretary. He said that it will be monitored to ensure that TCB family cardholders do not buy products from these trucks. Meanwhile, according to the sources of the Ministry of Commerce, a consumer can buy products from these truck sale only once a month. Read: TCB to start selling 5 products to 1 crore families at subsidized prices Tapan Kanti Ghosh said, “Anyone can buy 2 kg of lentils, potatoes, and onions and 2 liters of soybean oil. In this case, the potato will be sold at Tk 30 per kg, onion at Tk 50, lentils at Tk 60, and soybean oil at Tk 100 per liter.” About egg import, Tapan Kanti Ghosh said that the import of 25 crore eggs has been approved. “62000 eggs have been imported. Our aim is not to import eggs but to reduce the price of eggs. If the price is low, there is no problem even if the import is low,” he said. Read more: TCB to sell onion at Tk35 per kg to cardholders from Monday But until the market stabilizes, potatoes and eggs will be imported. “We got significant results because of the import of eggs and potatoes. Instructions have been sent from the Prime Minister's office that potatoes will be sold at Tk 27 per kg from cold storage. Potatoes will be released from cold storage in the presence of a district administration representative.”

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Thursday said one crore family cards of  state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) are being converted into smart cards and those will be distributed among the beneficiaries within two to three months. As a result of conversion, transparency would be ensured in distribution  of essentials at subsidized rate and there will be no more inconsistencies, the minister was speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of free distribution of TCB smart card and sale of TCB products including rice to card holders at PWD Colony Auditorium in the city this morning. Rosatom’s ‘Global Atomic Quiz’ Friday He said keeping in mind the poor and helpless people who live below the poverty line, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to give one crore family cards for providing daily commodities at lower prices. The government is selling essential commodities at subsidized rate to more people than the actual number of people living below the poverty line in Bangladesh, he added. The Commerce Minister said that the imported eggs and potatoes have started to play a positive effect on the market. Eggs are being sold at a lower price than the price fixed by the government after the arrival of the first consignment in the country, he said. We’re still trying to hold election involving all parties, says Home Minister The prices of potatoes, onions and other vegetables will be normal by the middle of next month, he hoped. Tipu Munshi said that there is no denying that some unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of the prices of eggs, potatoes and onions, resulting in immense sufferings of the people. “We are going through a tough time regarding  inflation due to the global situation. In the meantime, some dishonest traders are taking extra advantage. “No one will be spared if found guilty regardless of political identity,” the commerce minister warned. At least 2-3 children die from pneumonia in Bangladesh every hour: icddr,b Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Gosh spoke at the programme as special guests while TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md. Ariful Hasan, DSCC 12 No. ward councilor Mamun Rashid Subro and senior officials of TCB were present on the occasion.