After a prolonged period of stability, onion prices have started to rise in the market. Additionally, broiler chicken—whose prices had been declining recently—has also become costlier. Meanwhile, two weeks of continuous rainfall have disrupted vegetable supplies, keeping prices high for most varieties.

A visit to several markets in Dhaka’s Rampura and Malibagh areas on Friday (July 18) revealed this situation.

Over the past week, the price of onions in Dhaka has increased by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kg, depending on quality. As a result, onions are now being sold for Tk 65 to Tk 70 per kg in neighborhood shops, although they can still be found at Tk 60 in some markets. Previously, onions were priced between Tk 50 and Tk 60 per kg.

According to both customers and retailers, onion prices had remained stable for several months. The sudden increase began just two to three days ago. Even during the recent Eid-ul-Adha, prices remained unchanged.

Anisul Haque, a vendor at Rampura Market, said the rise in wholesale prices has driven the increase at the retail level. “We’ve been buying onions at higher prices for the past couple of days. That’s why we are selling them at Tk 65 per kg. In the wholesale market, onions are now priced between Tk 56 and Tk 58, up from Tk 50 to Tk 52,” he said.

While egg prices have dropped, broiler chicken prices have gone up. Over the past week, the price of broiler chicken has risen by Tk 10 to Tk 20 per kg. In Dhaka’s markets, it is now selling for Tk 160 to Tk 180 per kg—up from Tk 150 to Tk 170 last week.

Abu Hasan, a broiler chicken vendor at Segunbagicha Kitchen Market, said the price hike is due to a decrease in supply.

Meanwhile, after a recent spike, broiler egg prices have started to decline, dropping by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per dozen. Eggs are currently selling for Tk 120 to Tk 125 per dozen.

Despite a slight decline due to imports, green chili prices remain high. Currently, green chilies are selling for Tk 240 to Tk 260 per kg—down from a peak of Tk 300 per kg a week ago.

Continuous rainfall has also disrupted vegetable supplies, pushing prices higher for many items. Eggplants are selling for Tk 100 per kg, and even higher in some markets.

Only a few vegetables, such as papaya and small pointed gourd, are being sold at normal prices. Papaya is priced at Tk 40 per kg, while small pointed gourd is available for Tk 50 per kg.

Other vegetables like teasel gourd, bitter gourd, and yardlong beans are selling for Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kg. Ridge gourd and snake gourd are priced at Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kg.