Unusual increase in onion prices: Worries on consumer’s foreheads

Staff Correspondent. Dhaka, August 12, 2025.

Onion prices are suddenly increasing in markets across the country, including the capital, which has further put pressure on the cost of living of the common man. In just a week, the price of onion has increased from 15 to 35 taka per kg. The price of domestic onion in the retail market is now 80 to 90 taka per kg, whereas on July 31, the price was 55 taka. Anger and frustration are growing among consumers over this abnormal price hike.

Traders claim that the end of the onion season, a halt in imports and continuous rains have led to a shortage in supply, which is one of the reasons for the price hike. However, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) finds this excuse unacceptable. They say that behind this price hike, there is an active syndicate in the market, who are raising prices by creating an artificial crisis.

A visit to the capital’s Mohammadpur Krishi Market and Karwan Bazar showed that onions, which were sold for 60-65 taka last week, have now reached 85 taka. Similarly, prices in neighborhood shops are even higher, up to 90 taka in some places. Prices of vegetables and eggs have also increased in the market. For example, the price of farm-raised chicken eggs has increased from 120-125 taka per dozen to 135-140 taka in a week.

Md. Khalilur Rahman, representative of the Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society, a voluntary organization to protect consumer interests, said, “There is no logical reason for the price of onions and eggs to increase at this time. The government’s lack of effective measures and regular supervision to control the market is the main reason for this chaos.”

Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry has announced urgent steps to restore onion imports. On May 21, a joint controller of the ministry said that efforts are being made to stabilize the market by increasing imports. However, past experience has shown that prices are not coming under control unless strict action is taken against such syndicates.

Economists warn that the prices of daily necessities could rise further during the monsoon and flood seasons. According to a World Bank report, high inflation could increase the country’s poverty rate from 18.7% to 22.9% by 2025, pushing nearly three million people into extreme poverty.

Ordinary buyers say that this rise in commodity prices is making their lives miserable. Suruj Ali, a buyer from Rampura, said, “I bought two kilograms of onions for 120 taka, now it is 160 taka. Expenses are increasing, but income is not increasing. If this continues, it will be difficult to survive with my family.”

Market analysts believe that it is difficult to stop this anarchy without a strict stance at the top level of the government and effective steps to break the syndicate. This problem can be solved through regular market supervision, improvement of the import system and exemplary punishment. Otherwise, the increase in the prices of essential commodities like onions will become a regular terror for the common people.

The government’s prompt action and formulation of a transparent policy to control onion prices is the need of the hour. To ensure public comfort, the influence of syndicates in the market must be reduced and the import and supply system must be made more effective.