Onion prices in the capital’s retail markets have remained almost unchanged for a week, still selling at Tk 110–115 per kg, while hilsa has become increasingly unaffordable, with prices rising by up to Tk 500 per kg in just seven days.

A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in on Friday showed that although the price of a 5-kg sack of onions has fallen slightly—from Tk 520 to Tk 500–510—the decline has not yet reflected on retail sales.

Vendors said the price is unlikely to come down until new-season onions arrive in the market. The stocks of old onions are nearly exhausted and supplies at wholesale hubs are limited.

Shariful Haque, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda onion market, said a maund (40 kg) of onions costs between Tk 3,600 and Tk 4,000, keeping the wholesale per-kg rate close to Tk 100.

Meanwhile, hilsa prices have soared significantly over the past week. Retail prices have jumped by Tk 500–600 per kg, depending on size.

Govt may allow onion imports if prices remain high this week

In Rampura market, 600–800g hilsa is selling for Tk 1,200–1,600, up from Tk 800–1,000 last week. One-kg fish now cost Tk 3,000–3,200, compared to Tk 2,200–2,500 earlier. 

Hilsa weighing over one kg has shot up to Tk 4,500–4,800 per piece, from Tk 3,500–3,800 last week.

Imon, a hilsa seller at Rampura market, said supply at the wholesale level has dropped sharply. 

“We aren’t getting fish like before, which pushed up the prices,” he added.

Buyers expressed frustration over the surge. “If a single hilsa costs more than Tk 5,000, how can people afford to buy it?” said shopper Sanzid Hossain. “Not just hilsa—every fish price has gone up.”

Across markets, rui, katla, and kalibaush are selling for Tk 380–450 per kg; shol for Tk 800–1,500 depending on size; poa for Tk 600–1,000; shing and magur for Tk 600–800; and tilapia for Tk 300–350.

Vegetable prices have also increased, particularly for newly arrived winter produce. 

Onion prices skyrocket in Dhaka; from Tk 70 to Tk 120 per kg

Tomatoes are selling for Tk 120–150 per kg, cucumbers for Tk 80–120, and carrots for Tk 120–160. Eggplant costs Tk 100–120 per kg, barbatti Tk 80–120, and pointed gourd Tk 60–80.

The prices of most vegetables have risen by Tk 20–50 per kg.

Lemon supply has declined, with a large-sized set of four selling for Tk 50. Green chili prices have also surged from Tk 120–140 per kg last week to Tk 160–190 this week.

Wholesalers said fewer trucks entered the markets on Thursday, disrupting supply chains and causing an immediate price spike in Friday’s market.