SANTHIA, PABNA, June 2: Prices of all types of spices are on the rise in Santhia Upazila of the district ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Consumers said, unscrupulous traders have already started price hiking of spices targeting the forthcoming Eid.
But traders said, this is not their profiteering greed, but high dollar price, supply deficit and VAT increase have pushed up the spice prices.
According to market sources, only in a few days, gap each spice item has registered higher price in Boailmari, Bongram, Kashinathpur, Karamja Chatur haats in the district.
Per kilogram (KG) Elachi (Cardamom) of big-size grains is selling at Tk 3,600 while that of small grains is selling at Tk 3,300.
Labanga (clove) is selling at Tk 1,500 per kg, Jheera (Cumin seed) at Tk 700, white Golmarich (White Pepper) at Tk 700, Kalo Golmarich (Black Pepper) at Tk 1,000, Jayfol (Nutmeg) at Tk 800, Daruchini (Cinnamon)) at Tk 420, turmereic at Tk 300, Kalijheera (Black Cumin)) at Tk 320, Kishmish (Raisin) at Tk 700, and Tejpata (Bay leaf) at Tk 120.
Radhuni spice is selling at Tk 550, Methi (fenugreek leaf) at Tk 180, Panchforon at Tk 300, ground nut at Tk 170, Kazubadam (cashew nut) at Tk 1,400, Pesta Badam (pistachio) at Tk 2,800, Joytri (Mace) at Tk 2,900, Dhania (Corriander leaf) at Tk 180, Postadana (Poppy Seed) at Tk 2,400, Aloo Bokhara (dried plum) at Tk 550, ginger at Tk 250, dry chilli at Tk 400 and loose powered chilli at Tk 420 and black Elach at Tk 2,700.
Spice traders at Santhia Bazar Rejaul Karim and Moni Pal said, "Dollar price increase and VAT increase have pushed up the spice prices in markets. As we purchase these at higher prices, we have to sell those at affordable prices. It is not in our hands to increase or decrease the price."
A spice purchaser Mizanur Rahman said, all cook meat of sacrificial animals in a higher quantity on the occasion of Eid; so usually spice use increases; also traders in trickery and syndicate push up the spice prices.
A farmer Alauddin who came to Boailmari Haat to purchase spice said, "All essentials prices have increased; it is so in spice markets; it is so much higher that I can afford items."
Day-earner Wahab Ali of Gourigram and van driver Abdul Khaleq of Ghughudah said, "Spices are so costly that there is no way for us to cook meat on the Eid day."
Joint General Secretary of Consumes Association of Bangladesh (CAB)-Pabna Shafiq Al Kamal said, centring the demand of the Eid-ul-Azha unscrupulous traders have increased the spice prices; they always remain in search of opportunity.
That they are blaming the dollar price hike, and VAT is illogical argument or plea, he added.
Santhia Upazila Nirbhi Officer Jahidul Islam said, "In many times, centring the Eid, some unscrupulous traders push up prices of spices and other essentials markets are monitored regularly; mobile court is continuing; despite that if anybody manipulates prices, then action will be taken against him."
