Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 19, 2026 BSS (BSS) – With only one day left,  People throng spice markets in Khulna.

Prices of several spices have slightly surged suddenly in Khulna kitchen markets ahead of Eid, causing discomfort among consumers. Retail traders said the hike followed increased wholesale rates over the past few days, allegedly driven by unscrupulous traders.

Market sources said prices of key items -- particularly cardamom, cumin, nuts and dried plums (alubokhara) have risen sharply, putting pressure on household budgets during the festive season.

A visit to the city’s wholesale Khatunganj-style Borobazar on Wednesday noon showed that dried plums are now selling at Tk 1,200 per kg, raisins at Tk 600, cloves at Tk 1,350, cardamom between Tk 4,444 and Tk 7,000 per kg, peanuts at Tk 190 and cashew nuts at Tk 1,380 per kg.

Just 15 days ago, the same items were sold at lower prices -- dried plums at Tk 800 per kg, raisins at Tk 680, cloves at Tk 1,300, cardamom between Tk 4,000 and Tk 6,000, peanuts at Tk 170 and cashew nuts at Tk 1,340 per kg -- indicating an increase ranging from Tk 100 to Tk 400 per kg.
Traders blamed multiple factors, including higher import costs and supply disruptions. TanzeemHossain, a trader said that most spices are imported through Chattogram, where importers set the prices. “We sell according to the rates fixed there,” he added.

Hasanuzzaman, another businessman said prices of raisins and Afghan cumin have increased, while cloves rose by Tk 40–50 per kg. 

He claimed that expenses are increasing due to increasing transportation twice or thrice. He also cited global conflicts affecting imports, allowing stockists to sell at higher prices.

However, consumers alleged that a syndicate of traders is behind the repeated price hikes ahead of Eid.

Anwara Begum, a buyer, questioned the justification for the increase, noting that fuel prices have not risen recently. She urged the authorities to strengthen market monitoring and take action against price manipulation.

Meanwhile, Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju today visited the kitchen markets and warns traders to refrain from taking additional money in any essential commodities.

He, however, said that punitive action will be taken if any irregularities would found from customers.