Onion prices soar in Dhaka, jumping from Tk70 to Tk120 per kilogram

Onion prices have skyrocketed in the capital, leaving consumers reeling as the kitchen essential’s cost surged from Tk 70 to a staggering Tk 120 per kilogram within just a week — sparking widespread frustration among city dwellers.

A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka on Thursday showed prices had jumped by Tk 40–50 per kg compared to the previous week. In retail outlets, onions were selling between Tk 110 and Tk 120 per kg, while wholesale prices also doubled — from Tk 260 to Tk 520 per palla (5 kg) — with some traders charging as high as Tk 540, pushing the wholesale rate above Tk 100 per kg.

Shariful, an onion trader at Uttar Badda kitchen market, said wholesale prices had risen by Tk 26–28 per kg in just two to three days, forcing retailers to hike their prices. Another trader, Aminul, said supply had fallen short of demand. “Prices have been climbing since the last week of October, and the trend hasn’t stopped,” he noted.

Buyers expressed anger over the sharp price spike. “Just three days ago onions were Tk 80 a kg, and now it’s over Tk 100. There’s no justification for such a sudden increase,” said Fahmidul, a customer at Karwan Bazar.

Wholesalers said they had no choice but to sell at higher rates as per-maund prices soared, while some accused middlemen of hoarding onions to profit later. “Prices doubled in a week. We bought at Tk 4,000 per maund, but the market jumped overnight,” said Sanoar Hossain, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda.

Consumers, however, blamed weak market monitoring. “We’re always told it’s not the sellers’ fault, and farmers don’t benefit either. So who’s profiting? It’s the government’s job to find out, but they never do,” said shopper Maymuna Akter.

Sources said most onions in Dhaka come from Pabna, Faridpur, and Rajbari, where prices have also reached nearly Tk 100 per kg.

Explaining the situation, Zahidul Islam, Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer at the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said the surge is largely seasonal. “From late October to early December, onion prices typically rise as farmers run out of stock and wholesalers control supply. Prices should ease once new onions enter the market,” he said.

He added that India’s high onion prices and import restrictions have created pressure at the Hili land port, affecting domestic prices.

According to Obaidur Rahman Mondol, Director of the Field Wing at the Department of Agricultural Extension, early varieties of onions planted in October are expected to hit the market by early to mid-December. “There’s no new supply yet, but the murikata onions will start arriving soon,” he said.

However, farmers remain wary. Arshad Molla, a grower from Pabna’s Sathia upazila, said, “Last year we lost Tk 500–1,000 per maund. Even when prices go above Tk 3,000 now, they drop below Tk 2,000 once the new harvest arrives. Many farmers skipped murikata cultivation this year or planted late due to rainfall.”

Despite these concerns, officials expect only a brief delay in supply. “Harvest may be delayed by four or five days, but murikata onions are grown on higher ground, so the risk of crop loss is low,” said Obaidur Rahman.

While traders blame reduced imports for the spike, the Ministry of Commerce said any import decision will depend on market review. A senior ministry official said, “The agriculture ministry expects new onions within two weeks. If that happens, we may not approve imports. Though Bangladesh produces around 3.5 million tonnes a year, about 25% spoils, so we usually import 500,000–700,000 tonnes annually.”

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) claimed the surge is largely artificial. “A vested group is exploiting the election and political instability to create an artificial crisis. If the government stops manipulation, prices will fall immediately,” said CAB Vice President Nazer Hossain.

Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) data shows onion prices have risen over 50% in a month. Though still lower than the same period last year, consumer rights groups are urging stricter market oversight to prevent further escalation.