Biz-Econ

Onion prices double due to coronavirus panic-buying

Coronavirus panic-buying of onion caused unusual rise in prices of the key cooking ingredient.

In two days, prices of the spice doubled in city markets, and ginger, garlic and potato prices also saw hike.

Capitalizing consumers' panic over coronavirus, some dishonest traders hiked prices of these commodities, alleged buyers.

Talking to purchasers and sellers in different city markets on Friday, it was known that many people are buying onion, potato and garlic to stockpile as coronavirus panic gripped them, causing increase of the items' demands.

The traders in Rampura kitchen market were seen selling local variety of onion at Tk 75-80 a kg. The spice was selling at same prices in Khilgaon and Malibagh markets which was selling at Tk 40-45 per kg on Wednesday.

Garlic was selling at Tk 120-130 in the kitchen markets which was Tk 70-80 two ago. Price of imported garlic was Tk 180-190 per kg today which was 140-150 on Wednesday.

Prices of ginger increased by Tk 60-70 a kg from from that of Wednesday and prices of potato rose to 25-28.

Jewel, a trader at Khilgaon kitchen market, said they have to sell onion, garlic, ginger and potato in higher price as the wholesale merchants hiked prices of the essentials due to increase of demand.

Asif, a trader at Karwan Bazar market, said government responsible agencies should monitor the prices from right now.

When aforesaid commodities' prices saw unsual rise, prices of vegetables remained normal.