Govt allows onion import on limited scale to stabilise market
The measure will remain in force until further notice
To stabilise the domestic onion market, the government will allow imports on a limited scale from tomorrow (7 December).
Under the revised scheme, 50 import permits (IPs) will be issued each day, with each permit capped at 30 tonnes, said a press release issued by the agriculture ministry today (6 December).
According to the ministry, only importers who submitted IP applications after 1 August will be eligible to reapply, and each importer will be allowed to apply once.
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The measure will remain in force until further notice, as part of ongoing efforts to control onion prices.
Onion prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks, leaving consumers reeling as the kitchen staple's cost surged to a staggering Tk150 per kilogram today.
Traders said limited supply has driven prices higher.
Consumers expressed frustration over the abrupt hike.
Buyers urged strict monitoring to stabilise the market, while experts warned that a lack of oversight will make the situation more volatile.
