Onion, garlic prices keep rising despite ample stock

The prices of onion-garlic and ginger have continued to rise despite the country having sufficient stocks of the commodities.

According to retailers, the price of domestic onions has doubled in the last 20 days and increased by Tk 15-20 per kg in just the last three days.

Prices of other spices including ginger, garlic and dry chillies have increased as well. Over the last week, ginger prices have gone up by Tk 80 per kg while the price of garlic has increased by Tk 30-50.

In such a situation, the agriculture ministry has decided to import onions as the prices continue to rise. Ginger and garlic are already being imported.

Visiting different kitchen markets in the capital on Sunday, this correspondent found out that per kg onions are being sold at Tk 70-80, up from Tk 60-65 last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, garlic is being sold at Tk 160-200 per kg. A week ago, the price of all types of garlic ranged between Tk 130-150 per kg, up from Tk 100-160 per kg a month ago.

Moreover, ginger prices have reached the early Covid-19 pandemic-level of Tk 350- 400 per kg. Currently, domestic ginger is being sold at Tk 280-300 per kg, while imported Chinese ginger is being sold at Tk 340-350 per kg.

A week ago, ginger was sold for Tk 200-300 per kg.

Mostafizur Rahman, a retailer at Segunbagicha kitchen market, said spice prices are increasing in the wholesale market, ultimately hiking the retail price.

“We are also worried about what will happen next Eid, especially with the rate at which the prices of Chinese ginger and garlic are increasing.”

Onion import may resume soon

The government may allow the import of onions anytime soon, said Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhter.

“The import of onion has been suspended considering the interest of farmers. This year onion production in the country has been more than 34 lakh tonnes. Additionally, there are 18.30 lakh tonnes of onions in stock. Although there is no reason behind an increase in onion price this time, we are seeing a hike in onion prices in the market.”

“The agriculture ministry is always monitoring the onion market. If prices continue to rise, onion import will be considered soon,” she added. She made the remarks at a meeting held at the conference room of the Ministry of Agriculture at the Secretariat on Sunday.