Onion prices in Bangladesh have doubled within ten days, placing an additional daily burden of about US$330,000 (Tk 3.5 crore) on consumers, according to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB). The surge is linked to delayed import approvals, weak market oversight, and market manipulation.
CAB estimates that Bangladesh consumes around 7,000 metric tons of onions per day. Prices have risen from Tk 60–70 (US$0.55–0.64) per kilogram to Tk 110–120 (US$1.00–1.10) per kilogram, driving up daily consumer expenses. CAB president AHM Safiquzzaman said, "The government is indecisive on onion imports. Meanwhile, consumers are losing crores of taka daily."
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said imports would be allowed if prices do not stabilise soon, though this could affect domestic growers. Safiquzzaman argued that import approvals should have been issued earlier. "By delaying imports until after the price surge, consumers are suffering. Limited imports earlier could have prevented the current shortage," he said, adding that some traders are taking advantage of the situation.
The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) has recommended that the Commerce and Agriculture ministries approve onion imports to curb speculation and improve market management. BTTC data shows prices rose 37–42% over the past week after remaining stable for several months. The commission said the increase indicates manipulation by intermediaries.
Agricultural economist Abdul Bayes said, "Without breaking syndicates and corporate oligarchies in agriculture, such dilemmas will recur. Unscrupulous groups exploit these situations at the expense of farmers and consumers."
Most onion imports come from India, where wholesale prices average Tk 16 (US$0.15) per kilogram, or about US$195 per ton. BTTC noted that with a 10% import duty, domestic retail prices could decrease by around Tk 50 (US$0.45) per kilogram.
The Agriculture Ministry said around 75,000 tons of locally grown onions are expected to reach the market within a week, with early-harvest "murikata" onions available in early December. "We have informed the Commerce Ministry that new onions will reach the market within two weeks. Whether any import decision has been formally made is not yet known to us," said Additional Secretary Mahmudur Rahman.
Farmers in Pabna, Faridpur, and Rajbari districts have started planting murikata onions, with production costs near Tk 1,500 (US$13.70) per maund. Farmer Rokonuzzaman from Rajbari said, "Last year's 'murikata' crop incurred losses. With Indian onions entering the market, the price per maund drops to Tk 1,200–1,400 (US$11–12.80), forcing farmers to sell at a loss. This year, prices below Tk 2,000 (US$18.30) per maund would still cause losses."
Trading Corporation of Bangladesh data shows onion prices often rise by more than 100% in November compared to March, with traders benefiting while farmers and consumers bear the cost.
Source: UNB
