Onions are still being sold at high prices in the capital’s markets. For the past two weeks, the price of this essential commodity has been rising. In addition, almost all types of vegetables have suddenly become more expensive.
Traders said onion prices have gone up because the supply in the market is lower than the demand. New-season onions (freshly harvested) will arrive in December. Until then, there is little chance of a price drop. However, if the government decides to allow onion imports, prices may decrease.
A visit to several markets in the capital yesterday, including Shantinagar and Karwan Bazar, showed onions selling for 100 to 120 taka per kilogram. Two weeks ago, the price was 70 to 80 taka per kilogram.
In other words, within two weeks, the price of onions has risen by 30 to 40 taka per kilogram. The government’s marketing agency, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), also reported this price increase in their market report.
Rafiqul Islam, an onion trader at Karwan Bazar, said the local onion season ended long ago, and stored onions are also running low. As a result, there is always a slight shortage of onions at this time of year.
If the government allows onion imports, prices will come down. Notably, at the beginning of last week, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin told reporters at the Secretariat that a decision to import onions would be made if prices did not fall within the week. But as of yesterday, no decision had been taken regarding onion imports.
In the market yesterday, various vegetables were priced as follows: bitter gourd (korola) 80 taka per kg, pointed gourd (potol) 60 taka per kg, teasel gourd (kakrol) and ridge gourd (jhinge) 60–80 taka per kg. Okra, snake gourd (chichinga), and sponge gourd (dhundul) were 50–60 taka per kg; local cucumbers 50–60; radish 30–40; potatoes 20–25; eggplants 80–140; tomatoes 120–140. Beans were selling for 80–100 taka per kg—20 taka more than last week. Cauliflower was 30–40 taka per piece, and cabbage 40–50 per piece.
A vegetable seller at Karwan Bazar, the elderly Aminul, said prices had fallen quite a bit due to increased supply of winter vegetables. But because of political unrest, truck drivers are reluctant to bring vegetables into Dhaka. As a result, supply in the capital’s markets has fallen short of demand. However, this is temporary. Things may return to normal as early as next week.
