Onion prices jump to Tk150 per kg in two days
Buyers urged strict monitoring to stabilise the market, while experts warned that a lack of oversight would make the situation more volatile.
Onion prices have surged by Tk40–50 per kg within just two days, with the kitchen markets in Dhaka now selling it at Tk140–150 per kg.
A visit to several city markets today (6 December) found wholesalers charging Tk650–680 for a palla (5 kg), pushing retail prices up sharply.
Aminul Haque, an onion trader at Uttar Badda, said, "Just on Tuesday [2 December], onions were Tk100 per kg at wholesale. A palla was selling for Tk485–500, which is now Tk680."
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Another trader, Robiul, said, "Prices have increased by around Tk 50 per kg in two days. The price of each sack has gone up by Tk 850–1,000."
Harunur Rashid, an onion trader from Rampura, said there is no logical reason for the sudden spike. "The early-season 'murikata' onions have started arriving. Prices should have gone down, not up."
Market visits showed that 'murikata' onions are now available in small quantities, but their prices have also increased by Tk10 per kg. Recently selling at Tk70–80, they now cost around Tk90 per kg.
Karwan Bazar trader Mominul said the price of old onions has pushed buyers toward murikata, but limited supply has driven prices higher.
Consumers expressed frustration over the abrupt hike. "How can onion prices rise by Tk50 in two days?" said Rabeya Akhter, a shopper at Rampura.
Another buyer, Ehsanul Haque, complained about the lack of market monitoring. "Traders are running the market however they want. Without monitoring, consumers will suffer."
Buyers urged strict monitoring to stabilise the market, while experts warned that a lack of oversight will make the situation more volatile.
