Prices of both imported and locally grown onions have increased in Dinajpur’s Hili over the past two days as imports from India declined. The price of Indian onions rose by BDT 10 per kilogram, while domestic onions went up by BDT 5, adding pressure on low-income households.

A visit to Hili market on Tuesday (August 26) showed that Indian onions, which had sold for BDT 50 per kilogram two days earlier, were now priced at BDT 60. Local onions that earlier sold for BDT 70 per kilogram were selling at BDT 75. Traders said the decline in imports pushed up wholesale costs at the land port, which was reflected in retail prices.

“Local onion supplies have fallen as the season is ending,” said Abul Hasnat, an onion trader at Hili market. “With reduced imports, demand is exceeding supply, which is putting pressure on local onions and driving up their price. If imports through the land port return to normal, prices will come down.”

ShahiduI Islam, an importer at Hili land port, said the government permitted onion imports from India on August 17, leading to increased supply and falling prices. But the approval was suspended again on August 19. Limited quantities are still coming in under earlier approvals, he said, but the shortfall has driven prices higher.

Importers have urged the government to restore permits so that stalled consignments can enter the country and stabilize the market.