Onion prices in Dhaka’s retail markets have remained at their recent high of Tk 120 per kilogram, after an abrupt surge earlier in the week.

Prices have jumped about 40 percent in just five days from Tk 80 a kilogram, leaving consumers—especially those with limited incomes—struggling to cope. Data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) indicate that onion prices have risen by nearly 59 percent over the past month.

A market visit to Mohammadpur Krishi Market and West Dhanmondi on Friday found locally grown onions selling at Tk 115–120 a kilogram, compared with Tk 75–85 a week ago.

In the wholesale market at Shyam Bazar, prices have climbed to Tk 108–110 a kilogram, from Tk 72–74 in the same period, according to trader Abir Hasan.

The sharp rise prompted authorities to intensify market monitoring. Traders, however, said wholesale prices had stabilised since Thursday, and a large consignment of imported onions expected later this month could ease the situation.

“Whatever the rates are now, prices are unlikely to rise further. Imports should help bring them down soon,” said Akbar Hossain, a grocer in West Dhanmondi.

Meanwhile, rice prices have shown a modest decline as the Aman harvest nears and imported stocks enter the market. Fine varieties such as Shampa Katari and Nazirshail are now selling at Tk 80–90 a kilogram, Jeerashail and Miniket at Tk 75–92, while BRRI Dhan-28 remains stable at Tk 65–70. Retailers reported that rice prices have decreased by Tk 1–2 per kilogram over the past week.