Dhaka, Nov. 7 -- Onion prices have gone through the roof in the capital, leaving consumers reeling as the kitchen staple's cost surged from Tk 70 to a staggering Tk 120 per kilogram within a week, causing frustration among city dwellers.

A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka on Thursday revealed that onion prices have jumped by Tk 40-50 per kg compared to the previous week.

In retail outlets, onions were selling between Tk 110 and Tk 120 per kg.

Wholesale markets also saw a sharp surge. The price per palla (5 kg) has doubled - from Tk 260 to Tk 520 - with some traders charging as high as Tk 540 per palla, meaning wholesale rates have now crossed Tk 100 per kg.

Shariful, an onion trader at Uttar Badda kitchen market,...