Onion prices near Tk 100 mark, vegetables under Tk 80 become rare finds

Within the span of a week, onion prices in markets across the capital have risen by Tk 10 per kg, while finding vegetables for under Tk 80 per kg has become a treasure hunt.

During a visit to the Mohakhali and Sat Tola kitchen markets on Friday, vendors said that while the prices of some vegetables have decreased at the wholesale level, the supply of others has reduced, leading to higher retail prices.

Meanwhile, onion prices have surged as the onion season comes to an end.

ONIONS CLOSE IN ON CENTURY, SHOPPERS REGRET

Even 15 days ago, local onions were sold at Tk 55-65 per kg. However, prices rose, and on Friday, they were being sold at Tk 80-90 per kg.

Vendors reported a halt in onion imports from India. Last week, local onions were available at Tk 80-85 per kg. By Friday, some shops were selling them at Tk 90 per kg depending on quality.

Regarding the price increase, vendor Abdul Latif told bdnews24.com: “As the onion season is ending, prices have increased. Those who stocked onions while they were in season are now bringing them to the market. That’s why the prices are high. If someone buys in bulk, we sell at Tk 80 per kg as well.”

Talat Mahmud, a private-sector employee buying onions, told bdnews24.com: “Two days ago, onions were selling at Tk 80, so I thought I’d wait. Today, they’re asking for Tk 90 per kg. I regret not buying earlier.”

VEGETABLES BELOW TK 80 A RARE FIND

Vegetables have matched the rise in onion prices. Over the week, the prices of some vegetables have increased by Tk 20-40 per kg. Except for a few, most vegetables now cost Tk 80-100 per kg.

Aubergine ranges from Tk 100-120 per kg depending on type, yardlong beans rose sell at Tk 120 per kg, pointed gourd Tk 80, sponge gourd Tk 80, snake gourd Tk 80, taro stems Tk 80, taro root Tk 80, spiny gourd Tk 100-120, ridge gourd Tk 80, and bitter gourd Tk 100-120 per kg.

The cheapest vegetable, papaya, has increased by Tk 10-20, now selling at Tk 40-50 per kg. Among lower-priced vegetables, green banana is sold at Tk 30 per 4-piece bunch, wax gourd Tk 50 each, radish Tk 60-80, and pumpkin Tk 50 per kg.

Green chilli prices have risen to Tk 40-80 per kg depending on type and quality, going from Tk 160-200 per kg last week to Tk 240-280.

Bottle gourd is selling at Tk 60-80 each, tomatoes at Tk 160 per kg, carrots at Tk 140, local cucumbers at Tk 100, and hybrid cucumbers at Tk 80 per kg.

Buyers have expressed frustration over the rising vegetable prices.

Jasmine Begum, a housewife shopping for vegetables at Mohakhali market, told bdnews24.com: “Almost no vegetable is available for less than Tk 80 per kg, except for papaya. What are people supposed to eat? Prices were stable for a while, but now they’ve been raised under the excuse of rain. It rains every monsoon, yet the increases are not systematic.””

EGG PRICES UP BY TK 10 PER DOZEN

Egg prices have also increased. Md. Raju, a seller at Mohakhali market, told bdnews24.com: “Red eggs from poultry chickens sold for Tk 135-140 last week, but this week, they have risen by Tk 10 per dozen, selling at Tk 145-150. Duck eggs are still selling at Tk 210-220, same as last week.”