Import of Indian onions through the Hili land port in Dinajpur resumed on Sunday (December 7), after more than three months, triggering an immediate fall of Tk 30 per kg in local markets.
The import resumed at around 4 PM with a truck loaded with onions entered the port from India.
On the first day, a company named Rocky Traders brought in 30 tonnes of onions sourced mainly from different regions of Madhya Pradesh.
Importers said the onions are being brought in at USD 245 per tonne and will be sold in the domestic market at Tk 50 to Tk 55 per kg.
Traders, workers and commission agents at the port expressed relief and satisfaction after import activities resumed, noting that the previous consignment had arrived on August 30.
Importer Rocky Hossain said the government granted permission due to rising onion prices in Bangladesh, allowing them to bring in 30 tonnes on the first day, sourced this time from Uttar Pradesh.
M R Jaman Badon, revenue officer of Hili land port, said imports had been halted since August 30. Following the government’s new approval, a truck carrying 30 tonnes of onions entered the port on Sunday afternoon.
As onions are a highly perishable commodity, customs arranged for fast clearance to ensure quick supply to the market, he said.
Following news of the resumed imports, retail prices fell sharply. Old local onions that were selling for Tk 120 to Tk 130 per kg the day before are now priced at Tk 110, while the new variety of murikata onions is selling at Tk 80 per kg.
