Noman Mosharef :
The prices of essential spices have surged once again in the markets of Dhaka as Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals for Muslims, approaches on June 7. Although spice prices have remained high for some time, they have seen another noticeable rise ahead of the festival.
In response, the government is taking several initiatives to stabilize the market.
Authorities have instructed all deputy commissioners (DCs) and related agencies to increase monitoring efforts to prevent spice smuggling and to keep prices in check. The National Security Intelligence (NSI) has sent a list of recommendations to various state bodies, including the commerce ministry. These suggestions include ensuring sufficient stock of key spices, increasing imports according to demand, and reducing the assessment value per ton.
It also recommended stopping spice imports through land ports and instead routing them only through Chattogram and Mongla ports to curb smuggling. Additionally, the commerce ministry has been urged to monitor both wholesale and retail spice markets and take strict action against hoarders.
The prices of commonly used spices such as cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, garlic, red chili, ginger, and onions have gone up sharply. Retailers reported that wholesalers have raised prices using the appreciation of the dollar against the taka as justification. They also noted that the prices of these spices have been rising throughout the year, even before the
festive season.
Demand for spices traditionally spikes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, a time when Muslims across the country prepare for animal sacrifices. In the past week alone, cumin prices jumped by Tk 200 to Tk 300 per kilogram, now selling for between Tk 1,200 and Tk 1,500. Clove prices rose by Tk 250 to Tk 350 per kilogram, with the spice now being sold at Tk 1,700 to Tk 1,850. Cardamom prices increased by Tk 200 to Tk 300, reaching between Tk 3,500 and Tk 3,800 per kilogram. Cinnamon prices went up by Tk 50 and now range between Tk 500 and Tk 550 per kilogram. Turmeric saw a rise of Tk 20 to Tk 50, now selling for Tk 250 to Tk 300 per kilogram. Red chili prices remained high at Tk 400 to Tk 450 per kilogram. Ginger prices rose by Tk 50, now selling between Tk 350 and Tk 400 per kilogram. Garlic prices increased by Tk 20, with the imported variety selling for Tk 240 to Tk 260 and the local variety at Tk 140 to Tk 160 per kilogram. The local variety of onions remained high at Tk 70 to Tk 75 per kilogram, while the imported variety sold for
Tk 40 to Tk 50.
A senior official from the commerce ministry said that the ministry is closely monitoring importers, wholesalers, and retailers to prevent unnecessary price hikes during the holy festival. Instructions have already been issued to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) and all DCs to take the necessary steps as demand increases. Authorities have also directed traders to display price lists and provide receipts to customers to ensure
transparency.
Traders in Khatunganj and Chattogram confirmed that while spice stocks are adequate, prices remain high. An official from the DNCRP added that some dishonest traders have taken advantage of the seasonal demand to inflate prices of various commodities, including spices, ahead of major festivals.
