Onion Prices Soar, Oil and Vegetable Markets Also on the Rise

Staff Reporter

The winter vegetable market brought relief during Ramadan, but with the onset of summer, vegetable prices have started climbing.

Onion prices have increased by nearly 20 BDT per kilogram in just two weeks. Traders fear that the onion market could become highly volatile during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.

The price of bottled soybean oil has risen by 14 BDT per liter. Due to rain and the end of the growing season, vegetable prices are also showing no signs of stabilization.

On Friday afternoon, information was gathered from various markets in the capital, including Karwan Bazar, Mohammadpur Bazar, and New Market.

In these markets, locally produced onions are selling for 60 to 70 BDT per kilogram, depending on quality. This marks a sharp increase from the previous week when the price was 30 to 40 BDT per kilogram. Traders anticipate further price hikes ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

According to traders, onions are no longer available from farmers as the season has ended, leaving stockpiles in the hands of hoarders. Reduced supply has affected wholesale and retail markets. Additionally, India has suspended onion exports, further driving up prices.

Onion seller Shahed Hossain stated, “Onions are scarce, leading to stockpiling. Imports are also low. We’re buying onions at 53 BDT and selling them for 60 to 70 BDT. Just last week, we were selling onions for 35 BDT per kilogram, but prices have suddenly surged.”

The price of green chilies has also increased due to rain, now selling for 80 to 100 BDT per kilogram, compared to 70 to 75 BDT last week.

Expressing frustration, consumer Abul Kashem said, “Chili prices have suddenly gone up because of rain. Onion prices have risen too, and vegetable prices haven’t decreased either. Instead, they’re creeping up.”

Vegetable prices continue to rise gradually. Over the past week, prices have increased by 5 to 10 BDT. Traders attribute this to low supply due to rain and the end of the growing season.

In these markets, okra is selling for 70 BDT per kilogram, pointed gourd for 80 BDT, snake gourd for 65 BDT, bitter gourd for 70 BDT, carrots for 60 BDT, long beans for 80 BDT, eggplant for 90 BDT, papaya for 70 BDT, hyacinth beans for 70 BDT, and cucumbers for 60 BDT.

Drumsticks are selling for 120 BDT per kilogram, up from 80 to 100 BDT last week, while taro stolons are priced at 100 BDT per kilogram. Sweet pumpkins are being sold at 50 BDT each, and wax gourds at 30 BDT.

Vegetable vendor Hossain Ali explained, “The season is over, and there’s rain as well. That’s why vegetable prices are rising. Prices are expected to go up further.”

The price of bottled soybean oil has jumped by 14 BDT per liter, now set at 189 BDT for a one-liter bottle, up from 175 BDT. A five-liter bottle is now priced at 922 BDT, up from 852 BDT.

Loose soybean and palm oil prices have also increased by 12 BDT per liter. Loose soybean oil now costs 169 BDT per liter, up from 157 BDT, while loose palm oil has risen to 169 BDT per liter from 157 BDT.