Onion Prices Surge Tk 40/kg in One Week Amid Supply Crunch

Onion prices have skyrocketed in Bangladesh, jumping up to Tk 40 per kg in retail markets over the past seven days. The sharpest rise—over Tk 20/kg—occurred in just the last three to four days, catching consumers and traders off guard.

Market insiders attribute the surge to:

• Depleted old-season stock: Only 10% of last season’s onions remain.
• Rain-damaged early crops: Recent rainfall affected new plantings.
• Zero imports: No shipments are entering the country.
• Hoarding: Traders are exploiting the supply gap.

Retail Price Breakdown (Dhaka Markets)

Trader Insights

Md. Adbur Rahman, owner of wholesale shop at Shyambazar:

“Of 100 farmers, 90 have sold out. Only 10 still have stock. Prices are rising in Faridpur, Rajbari, Pabna hats—directly pushing up wholesale and retail rates.

New onions need 1.5 months. If people can manage current prices, no import is needed. But if the government wants prices down, open imports.”

Regional Hat Prices (per maund)

• Tuesday: Tk 4,200
• Wednesday: Tk 3,800 (slight dip)

Agriculture & Harvest Cycle

• Two seasons:
  1. Murkata (early, short shelf life) – planting started.
  2. Hali/Seed (storable) – currently in market.
• New Murkata harvest: Mid-to-late December.
• Next 1.5 months: Supply will decline steadily.

Government Response

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman:

“Agriculture Secretary says new onions in 15 days—no shortage expected. We’re collecting market data. If needed, import permits will be issued soon.”

• DAE (Plant Quarantine Wing): No import applications yet.
• Trade & Tariff Commission (Sept 2025): Recommended import when price > Tk 90/kg + duty waiver.

National Demand & Production

• Short-term: Prices likely to remain high or rise until new harvest.
• Import trigger: If retail crosses Tk 120–130/kg, govt may allow duty-free imports.
• Consumer advice: Reduce usage, buy in bulk from wholesale if possible.