Garlic Prices Spike by 60 Taka per Kg Within a Week

Staff Reporter

Garlic prices have surged by 60 taka per kilogram, along with hikes in other essential commodities. Traders and sellers attribute the price increase to a supply shortage. However, the sudden spike within a week has left consumers in distress. Many buyers believe weak market monitoring by the government is to blame for the rising prices of garlic and other goods.

Locals report that essential goods are regularly imported through the Hili land port in Dinajpur, keeping prices lower than in other markets. Yet, citing reduced supply, garlic prices suddenly jumped by 60 taka per kg this week compared to last week. Prices of other items have also increased, leaving consumers struggling without any clear justification.

Meanwhile, traders claim that local garlic had been meeting demand over the past few months, keeping prices low due to ample supply. Now, with supply dwindling, prices have risen, and further hikes are expected.

A visit to Hili market revealed that last week, garlic was sold at 80-90 taka per kg, depending on quality. Now, the same garlic sells for 140-150 taka per kg, with smaller-sized ones priced at 120 taka. The price surge has forced buyers to cut back on purchases.

In retail markets, the difference is even starker, with garlic selling for 200 taka per kg.

Wholesaler Nazmul Hossain said, “Last week, I bought garlic at 80 taka per kg. Now, the same garlic costs 140-150 taka.”

Retail buyer Azizur Rahman said, “Sudden price hikes put us in trouble. We’re struggling to manage household expenses and have to reduce purchases.”

Garlic seller Abul Hasnat from Hili market explained, “Garlic isn’t cultivated in this region; it’s brought from Natore. Earlier, supply was high, and farmers sold fresh garlic at lower prices. Now, harvesting is nearly over, and most available garlic is dried, so farmers are selling at higher rates.”

When asked about market monitoring, Borhan Uddin, assistant director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate in Dinajpur, said, “Regular raids are conducted in markets to control prices. We check whether traders display price lists and sell goods at fair rates.”