Published: 04 June 2025 :
One of the main religious festivals of Muslims, the holy Eid-ul-Azha, is approaching. During this Eid, the demand for various types of spices, essential cooking ingredients, is at its peak. And opportunistic sellers take advantage of this opportunity to increase the prices of spices. However, this time, there has been no special impact on the market surrounding the Eid of Sacrifice. The spice market is largely stable. The reason for this, those concerned say, is that the syndicate has broken up after the political change. Therefore, the market situation is normal.
Those concerned said that in other years, the prices of all types of spices increase around Eid al-Adha. However, this time a different picture is seen. The prices of spices are lower this time compared to any other time. However, the prices of cardamom and cinnamon have increased slightly.
Crowds have been seen shopping for garam masala in several markets in the capital, including Jatrabari and Shyambazar. However, despite the increased demand in the market, the prices remain relatively low. At Shyambazar, the largest wholesale market in Old Dhaka, cardamom is being sold at Tk 4,500 to Tk 5,000 per kg, which is slightly lower than the month before Eid. Cinnamon is being sold at Tk 500 to Tk 550, cloves at Tk 1,500, and jowar at Tk 1,200 per kg. Moreover, cumin seeds are being sold at Tk 600 to Tk 1,000 per kg, white pepper at Tk 1,500 and black pepper at Tk 1,150 per kg. This year, ginger is being sold at Tk 100 to Tk 150 per kg, garlic at Tk 100 to Tk 200 per kg, dried chilies and bay leaves at Tk 200 each. Bay leaves are being sold at Tk 220 per kg.
Traders say they have not sold spices at such a low price in the last 6 months. This time, there is no syndicate, so it is known that they are under control. Maqbul Hossain, a trader at Jatrabari Spice Market, told Dhaka Mail, "Currently, there is a lot of demand for spices. Of course, the supply is also good this time. Many syndicates have been broken due to the political change. As a result, buyers are able to shop with ease."
Another trader named Sagar said that among spices, the prices of cardamom and cinnamon have increased slightly, but the prices of several products are stable or lower than before. The prices of ginger, local garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, etc. are somewhat under control.
On the other hand, vendors say, "Every year we see the prices of all kinds of spices increase before Qurbani. This time the prices are quite stable. The prices are within the budget." However, commenting on the lack of market price monitoring, Amar Kanti Das, vice-president of the Bangladesh Garam Masala Traders Association, told Dhaka Mail, "There is a big difference in prices between the wholesale market and the retail market. If consumer rights also monitor the retail market, then the market will be fine." Although the National Consumer Rights Department says that they are continuing regular market monitoring. In this regard, Director General of the Department of Consumer Rights Protection Mohammad Alim Akhtar Khan said that there is no lack of market supervision. Market monitoring activities against syndicates will continue. He said that meetings were held with spice traders and importers a month in advance to ensure that consumers can buy spices at affordable prices around Eid.
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