Onion Prices Surge 24% Amid Import Halt, Supply Shortage

Representational photo

Onion prices in Bangladesh have surged sharply, rising by up to Tk 15 per kilogram—a 24 percent increase within just one week—putting considerable financial pressure on consumers.

This latest price hike follows a familiar seasonal trend typically seen in August but has been exacerbated by adverse weather, a suspension of onion imports from India, and reduced supplies from major producing areas.

In key wholesale markets like Dhaka’s Karwanbazar, local onions are now selling for Tk 70–75 per kg, while retail prices have soared to as much as Tk 80 per kg.

Retailers report that higher procurement costs from producing districts such as Pabna and Faridpur leave them little room to reduce prices. Consequently, many consumers are cutting back on their usual onion purchases.

Pabna, one of the country’s main onion-producing regions, currently depends solely on locally grown supplies.

With imports from India halted for an extended period, wholesalers say farmers are intentionally holding back stocks, anticipating higher prices later—repeating a pattern seen last year.

Consumer rights advocates warn that some traders may be artificially restricting market availability to drive prices upward.

They are calling for immediate government action and stricter market monitoring to control the unusual price surge and safeguard consumers.