Onion prices rise again, winter vegetable prices also rise

Staff Correspondent

Onion prices have increased again in the wholesale and retail markets of the capital. In the past week, they have increased by about 10 taka per kg, increasing consumer pressure once again. Meanwhile, although the supply of winter vegetables has increased slightly, the prices of most vegetables remain as high as before. Prices are not coming down. This has put consumers under pressure. Their household expenses have been strained.

This picture was revealed by visiting Agargaon, Mohakhali and Karwan Bazar in the capital and talking to traders. In addition, these prices have been observed to be higher in markets across the country.

Traders said that stockists are increasing prices based on the government’s announcement not to import onions. The increase in prices at the farmer and wholesale levels is affecting the retail market. A few weeks ago, the onion market was unstable, rising by Tk 40 per kg to Tk 115-120. Later, with the announcement of import permission, the price came down to Tk 105-110.

Last week, the interim government announced that there is sufficient stock and new onions will be available in the market soon. Therefore, in the interest of farmers, no import will be allowed. Taking this opportunity, stockholders have started increasing prices again. Currently, onions are being sold at 115-120 taka in the retail market of the capital.

Meanwhile, although new leafy onions have arrived in the market, new ‘murikata’ onions have not yet arrived. Leafy onions are available at 70-80 taka per kg.

Ershad Ali, a trader at Karwan Bazar, said that hoarders are taking advantage of the government’s announcement not to import, which is why prices are high.

Despite increased supply in winter, the prices of most vegetables have not come down. Beans are being sold at Tk 80-100 per kg, which was Tk 60-70 two weeks ago. The prices of brinjal, brinjal and utchha are stable at Tk 70-80. Dhanash and patol, which were sold at Tk 40-50 two weeks ago, are now Tk 50-70. Vegetable prices have been observed to be high across the country.

Vegetable seller Md. Yunus of Tejkunipara said that prices have increased in Karwan Bazar and Mirpur-1 wholesale markets, so the retail price has to be increased. Akbar Hossain, a shopkeeper at Karwan Bazar, said that prices are also high in the production area.

Even though new potatoes have arrived in the market, their prices are quite high at 80-100 taka per kg, although last week it was 140-150 taka. The price of old potatoes has actually increased by 24 taka and is being sold at 24-28 taka.