After a brief respite for a few weeks, prices of onions and eggs have once again risen, causing concerns for consumers.
Local onions on Sunday retailed for Tk80-90 per kg, while imported Indian onions were Tk50-60 per kg, marking a surge of Tk10-15 per kg in just a few days.
Farm egg prices (brown) also shot up to Tk155-165 per dozen, experiencing a hike of Tk10 per dozen during the same period.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) reported a 10% increase in egg prices and a more substantial 23-25% rise in onion prices during this period.
SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), expressed concern over the escalating prices of essential commodities.
He said that the surging prices of eggs, chicken and cultured fish are affecting the protein intake of millions of common people.
Hossain further noted that despite having a good local supply and low import costs, onion prices continue to rise, primarily benefiting traders.
He pointed the finger at a lack of visible and effective monitoring in kitchen markets, allowing traders to fix prices at their discretion for commodities like onions and eggs.
Hossain called for strict monitoring of egg wholesalers in Tejgaon, Karwan Bazar and other markets in the capital.
He also advocated monitoring of big onion traders in Faridpur, Rajbari, Pabna, Dhaka and other regions to ensure that prices of the cooking essential remain within the reach of people with limited income.