Onion imports from India halted through Benapole for two weeks

Bangladesh government has halted the import of onions from India through the country’s largest land port, Benapole, for the past two weeks, raising concern about a price hike.

Importers, however, can continue bringing in onions under previously issued permits until 30 January.

Officials did not grant any new permits for onion imports from India on Saturday.

Since 24 December, no onion shipments have entered through Benapole. The last consignment of 60 metric tons arrived on that date, while 390 metric tons were imported between 15 and 24 December through six consignments carried in 13 trucks.

Royal Islam, an onion importer, said the government usually allows onion imports when local prices rise sharply.

Imports of onion were resumed on 7 December after a three-month halt, initially in limited quantities, which did not meet demand. Later, when import permissions increased, prices began to stabilise, falling to Tk35–40 per kilogram.

Since imports have now been suspended again, prices are rising to Tk50–70 per kilogram, he said.

“If the halt continues, prices could climb to Tk80–85. Even the news of the suspension has already pushed prices up by Tk10 per kilogram at the port,” he added.

Shyamal Kumar Nath, Assistant Plant Quarantine Officer at Benapole, confirmed that onion imports from India have been halted for the past two weeks and no new permissions have been issued.

Onions can still be imported under previously issued permits until 30 January, he added.