Domestic Onion Price Rises by Tk 20 Per Kilogram in One Week

PNN News Desk | Hili

The price of domestic onions has witnessed a significant increase in Hili market of Dinajpur within just one week. Onions that were being sold at Tk 30 per kilogram last week are now being sold at Tk 50 per kilogram. Low and limited-income families have been hit hardest by this sudden price hike.

A visit to Hili market on Tuesday (July 21) found that along with vegetables and other essential commodities, onion prices have also increased, creating dissatisfaction among buyers. Many consumers are now having to spend additional money to purchase this essential kitchen item.

Rafiqul Islam, who came to the market to buy onions, said that onion prices had remained between Tk 25 and Tk 30 per kilogram for several months. However, the sudden increase of Tk 20 per kilogram without any prior indication has increased household expenses for ordinary people. He also demanded stronger market monitoring to control prices.

According to traders, wholesale onion prices have increased due to a decline in the supply of domestic onions in the market. The impact has also reached the retail market.

Shakil Mahmud, an onion seller at Hili market, said that since onion imports from India have remained suspended for a long time, the market is now dependent entirely on locally produced onions. Recently, prices have increased at different wholesale markets across the country, forcing traders to buy onions at higher prices and sell them at increased rates in retail markets.

He further said that if onion imports from India resume, market supply will increase and prices may return to a more normal level.

Meanwhile, Ferdous Rahman, an importer at Hili Land Port, said that the government has not allowed onion imports from India considering the interests of local farmers. As a result, importers at the port cannot bring onions even if they want to. However, he said that import activities could begin quickly if the government grants permission.

Market insiders believe that onion prices may rise further in the coming days if the supply situation does not improve. Consumers, meanwhile, have demanded effective market monitoring and necessary steps to keep the prices of this essential commodity stable.