After remaining stable for several weeks, prices of key essentials like onion, ginger, chicken, and eggs have started to increase in local markets. The most significant rise has been seen in onion prices, which have surged from Tk 50–60 per kg a week ago to Tk 70–80 this week. Until last Friday, onions were selling at Tk 60–65 per kg.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), onion prices have increased by nearly 30 per cent over the past month. Market insiders attribute this spike to a supply shortage. The end of the onion harvesting season and recent heavy rainfall have disrupted supply chains. However, traders expect prices to drop once new onions enter the market.
Rajat Ali, a wholesale trader at Karwan Bazar, said, “Onion prices have been rising for a week. Previously, we sold a 5-kg batch for Tk 250–260; now it’s Tk 350–360. The market is still receiving old stock stored by farmers, which is contributing to the upward trend.”
In addition to onions, the price of ginger has also increased. Seasonal rains over the past two to three weeks have driven up the prices of vegetables and green chillies as well.
Egg prices have also risen this week. Red eggs, previously priced at Tk 120 per dozen, are now being sold for Tk 135–140. A wholesale crate of 100 red eggs that earlier cost Tk 850–910 is now priced at Tk 1,040. White eggs are slightly cheaper, selling at Tk 120 per dozen in Karwan Bazar.
Prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have also climbed by Tk 20–30 per kg over the past few weeks. Currently, broiler chicken in Dhaka is selling at Tk 170–180 per kg, up from Tk 150–160. Sonali chicken is now priced at Tk 310–320 per kg, compared to Tk 280–300 previously.
Consumers blame the price hikes on a lack of regular market monitoring, claiming that unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of the situation. Despite adequate stock in the market, they allege that artificial shortages are being created to inflate prices suddenly.