Photo : Collected
The soaring prices of everyday essentials are creating substantial challenges for consumers. Staple items such as oil, sugar, ginger, garlic, and green chilies are among the hardest hit. Furthermore, the cost of potatoes and onions has skyrocketed – thereby compounding the consumers’ plight.
Notably, the price of onions has spiked by Tk 30 per kilogram in just a week, while potatoes are being sold for more than double the government's set price.
For instance, the government's suggested prices for potatoes at the retail level ranged from Tk 35 to Tk 36 per kilogram, but these guidelines are not being adhered to, and instead, potatoes are now costing Tk 60 per kilogram.
For onions, consumers were supposed to purchase this kitchen item at Tk 65 per kilogram, but they are now being charged twice that amount.
Local onions, which were priced at Tk 100 to Tk 110 per kilogram last week, are currently being retailed for Tk 130 per Kg. Similarly, Indian onions, formerly sold for Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kilogram, have seen their price spiked to Tk 110 to Tk 120 per kilogram.
Fortunately, there is a glimmer of relief in the egg market, with prices dropping by two taka per piece to align with the government's recommended price. This provides some respite for consumers.
Alam Khan, an onion seller, has candidly expressed the predicament faced by retailers amidst the price hikes.
He elaborated that he procures Indian onions at Tk 95 per kilogram and retails them for Tk 100 to Tk 110 per kilogram after factoring in transportation and profit.
The cost of locally sourced onions is even steeper, purchased at Tk 112.50 per kilogram and sold for Tk 130 per kilogram, encompassing all costs and profits.
Alam Khan underscores that these price escalations are primarily instigated by syndicates, compelling retailers to pass on the elevated expenses to consumers.
Retailers have also observed a shift in consumer behaviour, as shoppers who used to buy larger quantities of onions when prices were lower are now opting for smaller quantities due to the exorbitant costs.
In the context of consumer rights campaigns, Alam Khan noted that regulatory authorities have made periodic visits, scrutinising goods memos and trade licenses. However, these inspections have not yielded concrete actions to address the pricing issues.
Another onion seller, Abul Kalam Mia, posited that it would be more effective to target the syndicates responsible for the price hikes rather than individual retailers.
Amena Begum, a consumer, highlighted the plight of the public grappling with substantial price increases. She beseeched the Prime Minister to intervene and alleviate the burden on consumers by addressing the issue and bringing down the cost of essential goods.
The prevailing situation underscores the pressing need to address inflation, particularly concerning essential items like onions and potatoes. This is crucial to alleviate the financial strain on consumers and ensure that fundamental commodities remain within affordable reach.
Afzal Chowdhury, a private bank official who came to the market, said, “Everything is very expensive. Potatoes, onions, eggs, chillies are not affordable anymore. Earlier, I used to buy 20-30 kg of onions at a time. Now I cannot buy more than one to two kgs. Prices are increasing by the week. Everything is out of control. Our situation is very bad.”
Messenger/Disha
