DHAKA: Bangladesh has imported onions by air on an urgent basis as the price of the vegetable soared to record highs.
The price of onions has increased results since neighboring India banned exports in September after heavy monsoon rains reduced the crop.
One kilogramme of the staple vegetable usually costs 30 taka (36 US cents) but has soared to up to 260 taka after the ban was imposed.
Local media reported the delivery of onions arrived at a major port in Chittagong city in Dhaka.
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The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is also selling onions at a discounted 45 taka per kilogram in the capital Dhaka.
According to the media reports from Bangladesh, local restaurants there, have cut onions from their menus and there has been a fall in the sale of deep-fried snacks normally cooked with onions.
Bangladesh’s largest opposition party has called for nationwide protests on Monday over the record prices, which they blame on the government.
Bangladesh has imported onions from Turkey, Egypt, Afghanistan, and UAE on emergency basis to keep the local market stable.
