Onion prices have jumped by Tk 20 per kilogram over the past week, pushing up household expenses as most vegetables also see a steady price hike across Dhaka’s retail markets.
A sudden rise in onion prices has startled both vendors and consumers in the capital. Just last Friday, onions were selling at Tk 40–42 per kg in retail shops. As of Saturday, the price shot up to Tk 60 per kg. Although wholesale sellers claim the increase is around Tk 5–7 per kg, they admit that prices in major supply hubs have nearly doubled.
Retail vendor Russell Mia from Karwan Bazar stated, “The price hike began about four to five days ago. Since we’re buying at higher prices, we have no choice but to sell higher.” Babul Mia, a wholesaler at the same market, added that a 5-kg sack that previously sold for Tk 220 now costs Tk 260. He blamed reduced supply in key wholesale markets and the halt of onion imports from India.
While prices of new rice varieties have slightly decreased, most vegetables now cost significantly more. Chilli prices have increased by Tk 10 to reach Tk 50 per kg. Other vegetables like okra are being sold at Tk 60, bitter gourd at Tk 70, pointed gourd at Tk 50–60, papaya at Tk 50, and cucumbers at Tk 50 per kg. Carrots are selling at Tk 30, while spine gourds have reached Tk 120 per kg. Overall, vegetables now range between Tk 50 to Tk 80 per kg, with notable increases from the previous week.
Egg prices have also gone up, with poultry eggs selling at Tk 125–130 per dozen, about Tk 10 more than last week. On the contrary, broiler chicken prices have decreased to Tk 170–180 per kg, while Sonali chicken ranges from Tk 230–280. Beef and mutton prices have dropped slightly post-Eid, now at Tk 740–750 and Tk 1,100–1,200 per kg respectively. Fish prices have remained stable.
Though the price of coarse flour has risen by Tk 2 per kg, now selling at Tk 40–45 depending on quality, the cost of sugar and lentils remains unchanged at Tk 120 and Tk 100–130 per kg respectively.
Market insiders predict further volatility unless supply chains stabilize, particularly for onions and fresh produce.
LND/BG
