Prices of locally grown onions have spiked sharply in Dhaka’s retail markets, climbing by Tk10 to 15 per kilogram in recent days amid claims of dwindling supply.
In contrast, poultry prices, which soared during Ramadan and Eid, have now eased, bringing some relief to consumers.
A visit to Karwan Bazar on the morning of Friday (18 April) revealed the shifting price landscape.
Traders reported that while the cost of onions had escalated, vegetable prices were showing signs of moderation.
Onions that were available during Ramadan for Tk35 to 40 per kg are now selling at Tk60 to 70.
During the peak harvest, domestic onions were priced between Tk25 and 30 per kg, but as the season winds down, prices have surged.
Just last week, onions were being sold at Tk45 to 50 per kg—meaning prices have jumped by up to Tk15 in a matter of days.
Akash Miah, an onion trader at Karwan Bazar, said prices have been on the rise since Eid.
“At the wholesale markets in Pabna, prices have been increasing by Tk2 to 3 daily since Eid, which is being reflected in Dhaka’s retail prices,” he explained.
Garlic prices have seen a slight drop. Imported garlic is retailing at Tk180 to 210 per kg, while the local variety is selling for Tk80 to 100.
Ginger is being sold for Tk120 to 150 per kg. Potato prices have remained largely stable at Tk22 to 25 per kg.
Poultry, which experienced a significant spike ahead of Eid—with broiler chickens fetching Tk220 to 230 per kg and the Sonali variety Tk300 to 330—is now selling at reduced rates.
Broilers are currently priced at Tk170 to 180, while Sonali chickens are going for Tk250 to 270 per kg.
Beef prices remain steady at Tk750 per kg. Eggs, too, have shown no price fluctuation, with a dozen farm eggs still selling at Tk120—consistent with the rate seen over the past month.
The vegetable market has shown a downward trend since the Eid rush.
Prices on 18 April included: pointed gourd at Tk50 per kg, bitter gourd, okra, ridge gourd, snake gourd, cucumber and carrots each at Tk60, tomatoes at Tk50, aubergine at Tk80 to 120 depending on variety, yardlong beans at Tk100, green chillies at Tk70 to 80, and bottle gourds ranging between Tk70 and 80 depending on size.
Abdul Wahab Miah, a private sector employee shopping at the market, observed, “Prices haven’t become completely unmanageable. It’s clear the government is paying some attention. Even though a few items suddenly became expensive, they are coming back under control.”
However, with the vegetable season drawing to a close, some upward price pressure remains.
Shoppers and traders alike called on the government to maintain its efforts to stabilise the prices of essential commodities.
