United News of Bangladesh

Onion prices in Khulna have jumped by Tk 25 per kilogram over the past two weeks, despite no visible shortage in the market, leaving consumers deeply concerned. Large stocks of onions are seen piled up in warehouses and retail shops, yet prices keep climbing almost daily. Wholesalers blame reduced supply caused by ongoing rainfall, while retailers say they have no choice but to sell at higher prices because they are buying at inflated rates. Consumers, however, accuse hoarding syndicates of manipulating prices using baseless excuses. A visit to retail markets including Khalishpur, Daulatpur, New Market, Moylapota, Jorakal Market, Natun Bazar and Boyra Bazar in Khulna city showed onions selling for Tk 75–80 per kg, an increase of Tk 25–30 from two weeks ago. At Sonadanga wholesale market, prices range from Tk 62–68 per kg, with a Tk 12–13 gap between wholesale and retail. Harun-or-Rashid, a customer at KDA New Market, expressed frustration, “Onions that used to cost Tk 50–60 are now selling for Tk 80. I can’t figure out the reason. Is it due to hoarding or the floods?” Shukur Ali, another buyer, said, “I earn a small wage. How am I supposed to buy onions, fish, vegetables and rice now? Poor people are really struggling.” Onion prices surge in Bangladesh amid import halt, supply shortages Retailer Sohag from Khalishpur said, “We have to sell onions with limited profit margins. Wholesalers suddenly raised prices due to rain, so we are forced to increase our rates too. Currently, onions cost between Tk 75 and 80 per kilogram, whereas two weeks ago, the price was Tk 50–55.”  

 

Warehouse owners and traders of Khatunganj were seen dumping hundreds of sacks of rotten onions in what is the country's biggest wholesale market for commodities, but prices of the spicy bulb remained sticky upwards at retail level. 

Amid the skyrocketing onion prices in the local market, consignments of Indian variety of the essential kitchen item have finally started entering Bangladesh through different land ports on Saturday.

Onion prices doubled to Tk60-70 in just three days in the retail markets amid panic buying triggered by coronavirus outbreak.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque on Thursday said onion prices still remain beyond control due to inadequate import and lack of stock.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Saturday said onion prices will come down within 10 days with the arrival of imported ones in the market.