UNB, Dhaka :The prices of essential spices, including cardamoms, cumins and cloves was up, while that of onions and green chillis slid, in retail markets in the capital Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the Muslims’ second largest religious festival.Spices were selling at higher prices than usual in the kitchen markets of the capital, as this correspondent observed from visits to the markets in 4 areas – Moulvibazar, Shantinagar, Malibagh and Rampura, over the weekend (Sept 18-19).The wholesalers at Moulvibazar, a key wholesale spice market in the capital, are blaming the retailers for the price hike. Wholesalers are saying that the supply of all varieties of spices is normal, so there can be no reason for their prices to rise.The retailers on the other hand, allege the wholesalers formed a syndicate and raised the prices to make some extra profit ahead Eid-ul-Azha.According to the traders, cardamom price hiked most by Tk 180-Tk 250 per kg comparing to last month. Imported cardamom (big) from India’s Kerala and Tamil Nadu is now selling at Tk 1500-1700 per kg as against Tk 1400-1500 a month before while Guatemala cardamom (small) is selling at Tk 1150-1300 per kg.Prices of black and white pepper, cassia leaf, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and garlic have edged up marginally compared to last month.Kamal Hazi, a retailer from city’s Malibagh kitchen market told UNB that per kg cinnamon is selling at Tk 260-280; cumin Tk 320-380 which was Tk 20-30 less two weeks ago; clove at Tk 1150-1300; black pepper varies from Tk 1100-1200 and white pepper at Tk 1500-1650; cassia leaf at Tk 230 and coriander is selling at Tk 120-140 which was Tk 30 less last month.
