4.33 lakh tonnes onion imports approved in 2 days

The agriculture ministry has allowed the import of 4.33 lakh tonnes of onions on Monday and Tuesday, as part of its efforts to curb the price of this essential kitchen item against the backdrop of abnormal price hikes in the local market.

Bangladesh imported around 1,288 tonnes of onions so far, the ministry said in a press release on Tuesday.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) started approving onion import permits or IP applications from Monday. On that day, 210 applications were approved, which sought permission to import nearly 2.81 lakh tonnes of onions.

On Tuesday, onions sold for Tk 80 – Tk 95 per kg in Dhaka’s retail markets. It was sold at the same price on Monday as well.

Although the price has decreased in the wholesale market, retailers said the price will not come down in the kitchen markets until all the onions bought at a higher price are sold.