Potato and onion prices in Dhaka’s kitchen markets have surged, adversely affecting consumers, especially those from low- and middle-income brackets. Traders attribute the increase to suppliers raising prices amidst heavy rain, causing potato prices to rise.
Despite the government fixing retail prices on September 14—onion at Tk 64-65 per kg, potato at Tk 35-36 per kg, and eggs at Tk 12 each—consumers question the efficacy of market monitoring mechanisms. Retailers in various markets, such as Karwan Bazar, Kazipara, and Shewrapara, now sell potatoes at Tk 50 per kg, up from Tk 45 on Tuesday, while good quality onions fetch Tk 90-100 per kg, up from Tk 80-90 four days ago.
Suppliers reportedly increased potato prices due to damaged crops from recent heavy rains, and the next crop is not expected for another month. Onion supplies from major producing districts, Faridpur and Pabna, are insufficient, and reduced imports contribute to the price surge.
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