Prices of key spices and kitchen essentials have risen sharply in Dhaka's retail markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with allegations that a syndicate of unscrupulous traders is manipulating supply to inflate prices during the peak shopping season.
Cardamom, ginger, cumin, and garlic - essential items for festive meals - have seen steep price increases over the past few weeks, adding to the burden on consumers already struggling with high living costs.
Market insiders reported that ginger prices jumped by nearly Tk 80 per kilogram within a week, while cardamom is now selling at Tk 4,600-5,500 per kg, up by Tk 300-400 in just a few days.
Wholesalers attribute the rise to higher import costs and increased seasonal demand. However, consumer advocates argue that the sharp escalation points to coordinated market manipulation.
"The pattern suggests deliberate price fixing rather than genuine supply shortages," said Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB).
However, traders and consumer rights groups warned that effective market monitoring remains crucial. CAB President Md Shafiquzzaman said unscrupulous syndicates often become active from Ramadan, attempting to manipulate prices through hoarding and artificial shortages.
"Strict surveillance and enforcement are essential to prevent market instability. This is a recurring challenge every year before Ramadan," he said.
The seller of Nayabazar Salekin Ahmed said the price of onion in the wholesale market is high. But there is no crisis. Eid-ul-Azha is ahead. And every year wholesalers increase the price of onions around this Eid.
He did the same this time. But giving the same old excuse - there is no import from India. But there is no reason to increase the price of onions in the country. And even though the supply is good, ginger is being sold at double the price.
A visit to several markets in the capital on Wednesday found notable price increases across a range of essential products.
Onions were selling at Tk45-50 per kg, local garlic at Tk120-140, imported Chinese garlic at Tk180-200, ginger at Tk200, and green chilies at Tk100-120 per kg. Only a week earlier, most of these items were selling Tk10-20 lower.
Salt prices have also risen by Tk5 per kg, while a 25-kg sack now costs around Tk100 more than before.
Among spices, bay leaves were selling at Tk180-220 per kg, coriander powder at Tk200-280, turmeric at Tk280-350, and dry chilli at Tk350-400.
Cinnamon was priced at Tk500-550 per kg, cumin at Tk650-700, cumin powder at around Tk800, cloves at Tk1,400-1,600, and black pepper at Tk1,350.
Prices of nuts and dried fruits have also increased. Almonds were selling at Tk1,430 per kg, raisins at up to Tk850, peeled soybeans at Tk220, and Chinese peanuts at around Tk200.
" Prices of ginger, onions and garlic have increased significantly in the wholesale market, so retailers have no option but to charge more," said Abu Said, a trader at Ramzan General Store in Maniknagar Bazar.
He expressed hope that prices of some items would ease after Eid.
Haji Enayet Ullah, president of the Bangladesh Wholesale Hot Spices Traders Association, dismissed claims of artificial price hikes.
"Spice prices are relatively stable considering current import costs," he said. "Legal importers are making very slim margins, while some unscrupulous traders profit by bringing in products through illegal channels."
In response to the surge in prices, the government has stepped up market surveillance and mobile court operations.
Abdul Jabbar Mandal, assistant director of the National Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, said multiple teams are conducting inspections across Dhaka every day, while divisional offices nationwide have been instructed to closely monitor local markets.
"Any irregularities found during inspections are dealt with in accordance with the law," he said.
Despite these efforts, consumers say stronger enforcement is needed to keep essential food items affordable during the Eid season, when household spending traditionally peaks.
