Onion prices still high despite imports, fresh arrivals

After import clearance, Indian onions have been entering the country daily through various land ports.

Consumers expected that higher external supply would bring prices down. Instead, the opposite has happened, as imported onions bought at lower prices in India are selling at almost the same rates as newly harvested local onions.

At the same time, prices of local onions remain elevated. As a result, consumers have seen no real benefit from the imports, deepening frustration among buyers who had hoped for price relief.

A visit to markets in the capital, including Shantinagar, New Market, and Lalbagh, shows that retail prices of imported onions have risen by Tk10 per kg to Tk130.

Old local onions are selling at around Tk150 per kg, while new onions are priced between Tk90 and Tk100 per kg.

Miraj Ahmed, a trader in Lalbagh, said the volume of Indian onion imports remains very limited.

"Although onions are coming from India, the supply is much lower than demand, which is why prices remain high," he said.

"Indian onions are available only at a few wholesale markets in Shyambazar. After adding transport and other costs, it is not possible to sell them in retail markets for less than Tk120 per kg."

Meanwhile, supplies of winter vegetables have increased in the market, leading to a slight price drop compared to last week. Prices of several vegetables are now hovering around Tk50 per kg.

In retail markets, flat beans are selling at Tk60–70 per kg depending on quality, down from Tk80–100 last week. Yardlong beans, brinjal, and bitter gourd have also fallen by Tk10 per kg and are now priced at Tk60–70.

Ladies finger and pointed gourd have dropped by Tk10 as well, selling at Tk40–50 per kg. Prices of cauliflower and cabbage have fallen further. Medium-sized heads of both vegetables are now selling at Tk35–40 per piece, down from Tk40–50 last week.

The chilli market has also seen sharp relief. About two weeks ago, green chillies were priced at Tk180–200 per kg. Prices have now dropped to around Tk50–60 per kg—nearly a quarter of the earlier level.

An increase in the supply of new potatoes has pushed prices down by half. New potatoes are now selling at Tk35–40 per kg, compared to Tk80–100 last week.

Old potatoes are available at Tk20–25 per kg. Like vegetables, egg and chicken prices have remained relatively stable. Compared to last week, egg prices have fallen by Tk5 per dozen, with farm eggs now selling at Tk115–120 per dozen.

Chicken prices have also declined by Tk10 per kg. Broiler chicken is currently priced at Tk150–160 per kg, while sonali chicken is selling at Tk270–300 per kg.