In the wake of the overheated onion market triggered by an Indian export ban, the import of onions from Myanmar has risen significantly with 11,732 tonnes entering the country through Teknaf in November till Saturday. On average, 733.25 tonnes of onion were imported every day through the port in the current month, said Absar Uddin, a customs revenue officer at the port. He said a total of 20,843 tonnes of onion entered the country in October.
Port manager Md Jasim Uddin Chowdhury said the onion import from Myanmar saw a rise in November compared to the previous month. “If the current trend continues, more onion will arrive in the country in the current month than October's.” He added that importers are bringing in Burmese variety of the cooking ingredient every day.
The import remained suspended for a single day only due to cyclone Bulbul, which lashed the country’s coastal districts, including Cox’s Bazar, on November 10, Jasim said. He also claimed that they have put the highest importance to the quick release of onion from the port to keep its supply smooth.
It is reported that meanwhile, onion is available at local markets of Teknaf in a relatively lower price than other parts of the country.
