The prices of onions and potatoes in Dhaka's kitchen markets have begun to decline, with a reduction of Tk20 per kilogramme for onions and Tk10 for potatoes over the past two weeks.
In contrast, the prices of rice and chicken have increased marginally.
While the supply of bottled soybean oil has improved at retail outlets, the situation remains less than optimal.
A survey of Shewrapara, Kazipara, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, and Town Hall Market on Friday (20 December) revealed that newly harvested onions have started to arrive, alongside onions with stalks, and the supply of new potatoes has also increased - contributing to the drop in onion and potato prices.
Retailers observed that murikata onions typically enter the market at the end of November, and new potatoes appear in early December.
However, this year, floods and excessive rainfall delayed the sowing of onion and potato seeds, leading to inflated prices for an extended period.
With the arrival of fresh supplies, prices have begun to normalise.
Currently, three types of onions are available in the market: domestic old onions, local murikata onions, and imported onions.
Old domestic onions are being sold at Tk90–110 per kilogramme, imported onions at Tk80–90 per kilogramme, and murikata onions at Tk70–80 per kilogramme. Onions with stalks are priced even lower, at Tk50–60 per kilogramme.
Just two weeks ago, old domestic onions were priced at Tk110–130 per kilogramme, while imported onions ranged from Tk100–110 per kilogramme.
As for potatoes, the price of old stock was Tk80 per kilogramme two weeks ago.
With the increased supply of new potatoes, prices have dropped by Tk10–20, with both new and old potatoes now selling at Tk60–70 per kilogramme.
Conversely, the price of rice has risen by Tk2–5 per kilogramme despite the ongoing Aman harvest season.
Wholesale traders attribute this to increased prices at the rice mill level.
Mill owners claim that the price hike is due to the rising cost of paddy.
The supply of bottled soybean oil has shown some improvement after weeks of scarcity, but challenges persist.
On 9 December, the price of soybean oil was increased by Tk8 per litre, with expectations of an immediate supply boost.
However, the anticipated improvements have not materialised.
One trader noted, "Edible oil companies are not supplying oil at full capacity. We often have to argue with dealers to secure supply, and even then, what we receive is far below the demand."
On the vegetable front, some relief is evident.
Prices per kilogramme vary as follows: beans Tk40–80, radishes Tk20–30, turnips Tk40–50, bitter gourds Tk60–80, papayas Tk50, aubergines Tk60–80, green chillies Tk60–100, and tomatoes Tk100–130. Cauliflower and cabbage are being sold at Tk30–50 per piece, while bottle gourds range between Tk50–60 each.
