Onion prices in various markets of the capital have risen by up to 10 Taka in a single day. On Monday, local onions were sold at 100 to 110 Taka per kg, but today (5 November) they are being sold at 110 to 120 Taka per kg. This trend has been observed in markets like Mugda, Basabo, Malibagh, and Moghbazar.
Mugda market trader Md. Azmal said that small onions are now being sold at 110 Taka per kg, while large and selected onions are priced at 120 Taka per kg.
Traders stated that the main reasons for the price hike are the halt in onion imports from India and the delayed arrival of Rabi-season onions. In Karwan Bazar, local onions are being sold at 95 to 105 Taka per kg, compared to 72 to 85 Taka per kg last week.
Md. Abdul Majed, General Secretary of Shyambazar Onion Traders Association, said the country has been facing an onion shortage for three months. With Indian onions currently selling at only 15 Taka per kg, rapid imports are essential to control domestic prices.
Farmers added that onion planting was delayed in several districts this year, which has caused a delay in the arrival of Rabi-season onions in the market. Normally, Rabi onions start appearing in mid-October.