The price of onion, one of the most commonly used cooking essentials, has reached record high of Tk 210 per kilogram from just Tk 35 per kilogram only in four months.
Onion retail prices in kitchen markets have hit such a record high, despite government assurances of taking measures to keep the prices within the reach of the common people.
Earlier, the ministry concerned had announced launching drives against hoarders and monitoring on act of any syndication. Yet, prices of onion continued to rise without any proper regulation, consumers alleged. Prices of both the qualities – locally produced and imported Indian onion were found to be almost similar. Indian onions were selling for Tk 200 per kg while the local ones for Tk 210 in almost all the kitchen markets in the city.
The spiraling prices of onion started since India put a ban on export of their onion with the excuse of huge quantities of onion were damaged in the flooding of some southern states.
Despite onions being available as seen in the wholesale markets like in Karwan Bazar and Badamtoli, prices varied from market to market. Prices though remained within the range of Tk 200 per kg.
Many wholesale traders said that the supply is less than the actual demand which is affecting the retail markets in the city.
Meanwhile, retailers accused wholesalers who are selling the essential item at much higher prices. Consumers blamed a section of dishonest traders for the price hike, saying they have created an artificial crisis through stockpiling onion.
The consumers said this happened due to poor monitoring and checking at wholesale markets, the dishonest traders increase the onion price by storing them illegally.
