Prices of almost all spices have increased at Boro Bazar ahead of Eid al-Adha, putting consumers under pressure.
Buyers have expressed frustration over the unusual rise in prices of essentials such as cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, chilli powder and turmeric during the peak Eid shopping season.
A visit to the market showed that prices of several daily essentials have risen within a week.
Trader Abul Hasnat said ginger prices had increased the most. Ginger, previously sold at Tk 170 per kilogram, is now selling at Tk 200 per kilogram.
He said cumin was selling at Tk 750 per kilogram, soybean oil at Tk 195 per litre, mustard oil at Tk 260, lentils at Tk 160, garlic at Tk 140, dry chilli at Tk 380 to Tk 420, turmeric at Tk 260, Miniket rice at Tk 75 and Chinigura rice at Tk 150 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, the price of cloves has increased by Tk 60 to Tk 100 per kilogram, while cardamom prices have risen by around Tk 300 to Tk 320 per kilogram.
As Eid approaches, crowds of shoppers are increasing in the market. However, lower and middle-income families say they are struggling due to the soaring prices and many are being forced to buy smaller quantities than needed.
A buyer named Jahid alleged that some dishonest traders had created an artificial shortage ahead of Eid to increase prices.
He said it had already become difficult to manage household expenses because of high essential prices, and the rise in spice prices had further increased cooking costs.
Concerned citizens said that regular market monitoring and strict administrative oversight were necessary to prevent market instability ahead of Eid.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
