Indian onion import announcement lowers wholesale prices, retail remains high
Retail prices expected to gradually normalise when imported onions arrive
Onion prices in wholesale markets in the country have fallen over the past two days after news of imports from India, but retail prices remain high.
In Chattogram's Khatunganj market, wholesale prices have dropped from Tk110–115 per kilogram last week to Tk100–105. Traders say the fall is due to lower demand and the import announcement.
Hamidullah Mia, general secretary of the Market Traders Welfare Association, told The Business Standard that prices will gradually normalise when imported onions arrive.
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However, retail markets have seen no change. Small onions are selling at Tk120–130 per kilogram.
Retail trader Shawkat Osman said his stock was bought at higher prices, so retail prices remain high.
The government has allowed limited onion imports, but shipments have not yet reached the country.
In 2024–25, 481,968 tonnes were imported. For 2025–26, imports are expected to be under 100,000 tonnes, according to officials.
Lower domestic production has made Bangladesh import-dependent. A few years ago, annual imports were 5-6 lakh tonnes, at one point exceeding 10 lakh tonnes.
