In spite of expectations that onion imports from India would lead to a significant drop in the price of local onions, the local variety continues to be sold in places throughout Dhaka at about Tk80, which is beyond what most low-income households can afford.
Retailers defended their decision to charge higher prices saying the local onions they sell are of higher quality.
Meanwhile, both buyers and sellers raised concerns about the quality of Indian onions. They said the imported onions are of poor quality and have a tendency to rot quickly.
This correspondent visited mobile sellers in Mirpur 1 and 2, as well as various grocery stores in several kitchen markets, on Friday to assess the current state of the onion market.
At the Mirpur 1 wholesale market, local onions are being sold at prices ranging from Tk56 to Tk65 per kg, while Indian onions are priced between Tk22 and Tk32 per kg. Local vendors in the Mirpur 1 and 2 neighbourhoods are selling local onions at Tk80 per kg and Indian onions at Tk35 per kg. In grocery stores, local onions are available for purchase at Tk 80, while Indian onions are priced between Tk35 and Tk40 per kg.
When approached for comment, Rubel, a mobile vendor, said that he does not anticipate a decrease in the price of local onions. He currently sells local onions for Tk80 per kg and Indian onions for Tk100 for 3kg.
Soni, another seller, said: "I have to procure local onions at a higher cost, which is why I sell them at an increased price. I sell them for Tk80 per kg because I purchased them for Tk70 per kg. Additionally, transportation costs must also be taken into account. As for Indian onions, I refrain from stocking them due to their tendency to rot quickly, even if they appear to be of good quality. This results in financial losses for me."
Another vendor, Shakil, said: "I have onions of different sizes and quality. Indian onions are available, ranging from Tk22 to Tk32 per kg. Among them, there are two-three varieties depending on the quality. I sell local onions from Tk56 to Tk65 per kg. Usually, grocers buy the best onions and those who sell from vans, buy the cheaper ones."
Expressing dissatisfaction with Indian onions, he said: "The quality of Indian onions we receive is extremely poor. We are provided with third-grade onions, and it is disheartening to find that out of a 50kg bag, approximately 2kg are rotten. Consequently, we have to employ individuals to separate the rotten onions, contributing to the overall increase in the price of onions."
Shah Ali, another wholesaler, said: "The Indian onions we receive are severely rotten; we are selling them at a price of Tk10 per kg, while even the better quality ones are priced at Tk25 per kg."
Maruf, a retailer, said he is currently selling local onions for Tk80 per kg, while Indian onions are priced at Tk40 per kg. He said he doubts the price of local onions would drop, attributing it to the poor quality of Indian onions.
A buyer who was at the market to purchase onions acknowledged the high price of local onions but emphasized their importance. When asked why he and other buyers are not opting for Indian onions, he responded by mentioning the lack of flavour in Indian onions, stating a preference for local onions despite the higher cost.