Kitchen market: Onion prices still high, hilsa out of reach
Vegetable prices have also increased, particularly for newly arrived winter produce
Onion prices in the capital's retail markets have remained almost unchanged for a week, still selling at Tk110–115 per kg, while hilsa has become increasingly unaffordable, with prices rising by up to Tk500 per kg in just seven days.
A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in today (14 November) showed that although the price of a five-kg sack of onions has fallen slightly — from Tk520 to Tk500 to 510 — the decline has not yet reflected on retail sales.
If a single hilsa costs more than Tk5,000, how can people afford to buy it?
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Vendors said the price is unlikely to come down until new-season onions arrive in the market. The stocks of old onions are nearly exhausted and supplies at wholesale hubs are limited.
Shariful Haque, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda onion market, said a maund (40 kg) of onions costs between Tk3,600 and Tk4,000, keeping the wholesale per-kg rate close to Tk100.
Meanwhile, hilsa prices have soared significantly over the past week. Retail prices have jumped by Tk500–600 per kg, depending on size.
In Rampura market, 600–800g hilsa is selling for Tk1,200–1,600, up from Tk800–1,000 last week. One-kg fish now cost Tk3,000–3,200, compared to Tk2,200–2,500 earlier.
Hilsa weighing over one kg has shot up to Tk4,500–4,800 per piece, from Tk3,500–3,800 last week.
Imon, a hilsa seller at Rampura market, said supply at the wholesale level has dropped sharply.
"We aren't getting fish like before, which pushed up the prices," he added.
Buyers expressed frustration over the surge. "If a single hilsa costs more than Tk5,000, how can people afford to buy it?" said shopper Sanzid Hossain. "Not just hilsa — every fish price has gone up."
Across markets, fishes rui, katla, and kalibaush are selling for Tk380–450 per kg; shol for Tk800–1,500 depending on size; poa for Tk600–1,000; shing and magur for Tk600–800; and tilapia for Tk300–350.
Vegetable prices have also increased, particularly for newly arrived winter produce.
Tomatoes are selling for Tk120–150 per kg, cucumbers for Tk80–120, and carrots for Tk120–160. Eggplant costs Tk100–120 per kg, barbatti Tk80–120, and pointed gourd Tk60–80.
The prices of most vegetables have risen by Tk20–50 per kg.
Lemon supply has declined, with a large-sized set of four selling for Tk50. Green chili prices have also surged from Tk120–140 per kg last week to Tk160–190 this week.
Wholesalers said fewer trucks entered the markets yesterday, disrupting supply chains and causing an immediate price spike in today's market.
