TDS Desk:

On the very first day of the holy month of Ramadan, onion prices have surged sharply across the capital’s kitchen markets, intensifying financial strain on consumers already grappling with rising living costs.

The price of onions has increased by Tk10 to Tk15 per kilogram within a week, with retail rates now ranging between Tk60 and Tk70 per kg.

Market visits on Thursday morning to key retail hubs, including Mohammadpur Town Hall Market, Dhanmondi Kitchen Market, and Rayerbazar, revealed that good-quality onions were not available below Tk60 per kg. Smaller-sized onions were selling for around Tk 55 per kg, indicating a consistent upward trend across quality categories.

Traders attributed the sudden spike to a combination of supply shortages, increased transport costs, and heightened demand during Ramadan. According to retailer Hasan Mahmud, onion supply has declined as the harvesting season nears its end, while demand has surged due to increased household consumption during the fasting month.

Wholesale prices have risen significantly in recent days, forcing retailers to pass on the additional costs to consumers. Retailers emphasised that they have little control over pricing, as their margins remain limited amid rising procurement costs.

“The supply has decreased, but demand has gone up. We are buying at higher prices from wholesalers, so we have no option but to sell at higher rates,” said one trader.

Consumers expressed frustration, saying the price increase was sudden and difficult to manage. Maruf Hossain, a private sector employee, said he purchased onions for under Tk100 for two kilograms last week. The same quantity now costs between Tk120 and Tk130.

Low-income earners are among the worst affected. Rickshaw driver Md Shukkur Al Amin said he bought onions at Tk50 per kg just two days ago and fears further increases.

“Prices always go up during Ramadan. It has become a regular pattern. For people like us, it becomes very difficult to afford daily essentials,” he said.

Market analysts note that onion prices often become volatile during Ramadan due to sudden spikes in demand, supply chain disruptions, and opportunistic price adjustments by some traders. Seasonal fluctuations near the end of harvest cycles also contribute to instability.

Onions are a staple ingredient in Bangladeshi cuisine, making their price particularly sensitive for households. Any significant increase directly affects household budgets, especially for low- and middle-income families.

Traders warned that prices could rise further if supply does not improve in the coming weeks. However, market observers suggest that increased arrivals from storage and continued monitoring by authorities could help stabilize prices.

For now, consumers remain cautious, adjusting their purchases and hoping for relief as Ramadan progresses.