Onion, garlic prices spike in Ctg on first day of Ramadan
Indian onions were largely unavailable in Khatunganj, one of the country’s largest wholesale markets
Prices of essential commodities, particularly onions and garlic, surged in Chattogram's retail markets on the first day of Ramadan.
Indian onions were selling at Tk100 per kilogramme in retail markets today (19 February), up from Tk70 per kg last Sunday.
In the wholesale hub of Khatunganj, locally produced onions were priced between Tk58 and Tk65 per kg. However, in areas where supplies were limited, wholesale prices climbed to Tk90–Tk95 per kg.
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Locally produced onions that were previously available at Tk55 per kg have increased to Tk65, while old coarse onions are selling at Tk80 per kg.
Garlic prices also rose sharply. Retail garlic, which was selling at Tk165 per kg on Sunday, is now priced at Tk185 per kg.
In the wholesale market, Chinese garlic is being sold at Tk160–Tk170 per kg, while local garlic is priced at Tk90 per kg. Chinese and Indian ginger are selling at Tk105 per kg wholesale.
Despite slightly lower wholesale rates for some items, traders reported supply shortages. Indian onions were largely unavailable in Khatunganj, one of the country's largest wholesale markets.
Retailer Md Rafiq from Kazir Dewri said increased procurement costs at the wholesale level have compelled retailers to raise prices.
The first day of Ramadan also saw price hikes in other daily essentials. In retail markets, ginger is selling at Tk120 per kg and green chillies at Tk130 per kg.
Eggplant has reached Tk80 per kg. Large lemons are selling at Tk100 per four pieces, while small lemons are priced at Tk80 per four pieces. Mint leaves are being sold at Tk120 per kg.
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) expressed concern over what it described as an uncontrolled market situation.
SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the organisation, said, "Ineffective market monitoring by the administration has enabled some dishonest traders to raise prices arbitrarily."
However, Mohammad Faiz Ullah, divisional deputy director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, said regular monitoring drives are underway and businesses failing to display price lists are being fined.
He added that monitoring activities would continue until the market stabilises.
