2,000 tonnes of onions imported through Bhomra Port in 3 days; prices fall by Tk5 per kg
The restart of imports has already had an immediate impact on local onion markets
Onion imports from India have resumed after remaining suspended for four months and 20 days.
Approximately 2,000 tonnes of onions have entered the country in the past three days through the Bhomra land port in Satkhira, resulting in a notable decline in retail prices, dropping by up to Tk5 per kg.
Abu Russell Azad, assistant revenue officer of Bhomra Land Port Customs Station, said onion imports from India had been halted since 27 March this year due to the non-issuance of import permits (IPs) by the Ministry of Commerce.
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"After more than four months, imports resumed on 17 August, and over the last three days, a total of 2,283 tonnes of onions arrived in 75 trucks. We expect the volume to rise in the coming days", Russell added.
The restart of imports has already had an immediate impact on local onion markets.
In Satkhira city's Sultanpur wholesale market, prices of local onions have dropped by Tk5 to Tk7 per kilogram. Locally grown onions are now trading at Tk64–67 per kg in wholesale, compared to Tk72–74 just three days ago. Retail prices have also come down from Tk78–80 per kg to Tk70–72. Imported Indian onions are currently selling at Tk60 per kg.
Satkhira District Agricultural Marketing Officer Saleh Mohammed Abdullah, said, "Onion prices have dropped by Tk5–7 per kg following the resumption of imports from India."
However, he cautioned that if the price of locally produced onions falls below Tk60 per kg, local farmers may incur losses.
He further noted that the majority of the imported onions entering through Bhomra port are being transported to Dhaka and other parts of the country.
