Onion prices have surged in Chattogram due to halted imports and a lack of seasonal supply, pushing the essential commodity beyond Tk120 per kg at retail markets.
Fish prices have also increased despite adequate supply, while eggs, meat and most vegetables remain stable.
A spot visit to several markets on Friday showed good-quality local onions selling for Tk115-Tk125 per kg, compared to Tk80–Tk85 last week. Lower-grade onions are selling at Tk100.
At Khatunganj – the city’s largest wholesale hub – wholesale onion prices rose by Tk20-Tk25 per kg in a week. Local onions are now being sold at Tk95-Tk110 per kg, up from Tk75-Tk85 earlier.
Mohammad Idris, a business leader in Khatunganj, said the supply fell due to India’s halt in exports. “Once imports resume, prices will drop,” he said.
Wholesalers echoed the same view, saying that the end of growing season has reduced supply. They assured that if imports are allowed, the market will stabilise.
Local garlic is selling for Tk100-Tk120 per kg, while imported garlic sells for Tk160-Tk180. Ginger remains unchanged at Tk160 per kg.
Fish prices remain high, vegetables stable
Despite the lifting of the fishing ban at sea, prices of almost all fish have increased by Tk20-Tk50 per kg. Loitta sells at Tk200, coral at Tk700-Tk900, prawns at Tk750-Tk1,200, Rohu and Katla at Tk350–Tk450, Tengra at Tk600-Tk700, Tilapia at Tk250-Tk300, Koi at Tk200-Tk220 and pangas at Tk180-Tk280 per kg.
Beef remains at Tk750-Tk950 per kg and mutton at Tk1,200.
Broiler chicken is selling for Tk165-Tk170 per kg, Sonali chicken at Tk290-Tk330 and layer chicken at Tk340. Farm eggs cost Tk120-Tk130 per dozen, while duck eggs are selling for Tk190-Tk200.
With early winter vegetables entering the market, the prices of several items – including brinjal – have fallen by Tk10-Tk30 per kg.
Most vegetables are now available for Tk50-Tk60. Bitter gourd sells for Tk60, bottle gourd for Tk40-Tk50, long beans for Tk60, and okra, ridge gourd, snake gourd and teasel gourd for Tk50-Tk60.
Cauliflower and cabbage are selling for Tk80, while tomatoes are being sold at Tk100-Tk120 per kg.
