The government has decided to allow onion imports to alleviate the suffering of lower-income groups affected by inflation, as prices have soared due to stockpiling by traders and growers. Onions are currently being sold at Tk 100 per kilogram in Dhaka, a 31 percent increase from a week ago. The commerce ministry had requested the agriculture ministry to permit imports, and the agriculture minister stated that onion prices should not exceed Tk 45 per kilogram.
While imports had been halted to support local producers, the government now aims to meet consumer demand. However, imports will be restricted again once prices stabilize around Tk 45 per kilogram. Traders are facing a shortage of onions due to hoarding, resulting in increased prices, while farmers are benefiting from the high prices after experiencing losses in previous years. The Department of Agricultural Extension blames supply manipulation for the artificial crisis, despite sufficient stocks.