Photo: BSS

By Moshtaq Ahmad

DHAKA, May 24, 2026 (BSS) - As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, Bangladesh's spice market has become increasingly busy with demand rising across the country for cooking, preserving and distributing sacrificial meat among relatives and neighbours.

In particular, sales of cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, dried chili, coriander, and mixed spices have risen significantly.

Some spices are selling at lower prices that last year. However, consumers expressed concerns over higher retail prices and the spread of adulterated spices. In this circumstance, the government intensified anti-adulteration drives alongside regular inspections of wholesale and retail markets. 

Rising Demand in the Market
Visits to Karwan Bazar, Chawkbazar, and Rampura markets in Dhaka showed increased crowds in both wholesale and retail markets ahead of Eid. 

Traders say that every year demand for spices surges during the Qurbani season due to increased cooking activities.

Currently, depending on quality, cumin is selling at Tk 600-700 per kg in Dhaka's retail markets, cinnamon at Tk 450-600, cloves at Tk 1,400-1,600, and cardamom at Tk 4,600-5,500. Dried chili powder is selling for around Tk 500, coriander powder for Tk 200-280, and black pepper for Tk 1,000-1,200 per kg.

According to traders, prices of cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and chili have increased slightly over the past month. They attribute the rise to higher import costs, a stronger US dollar, and increased transportation expenses. 

Prices Lower than Last Year for Some Products
Despite complaints about higher retail prices, the prices of some spices have actually declined compared to last year. Before Eid-ul-Azha last year, cumin sold at Tk 700-1,100 per kg, while this year it is being sold at Tk 600-700.

Similarly, prices of some varieties of cardamom and cinnamon have also decreased. Last year, cardamom prices rose above Tk 4,200 per kg. This year, depending on quality, cardamom prices range between Tk 3,800 and Tk 5,200, while supply remains normal. 

Traders say the international market has become somewhat stable, helping keep cardamom prices under control.

In the case of cinnamon, Chinese broken cinnamon is currently selling at Tk 340-400, while whole Vietnamese cinnamon is priced between Tk 420 and Tk 600. Prices for both types are slightly lower than last year.

On the other hand, black pepper prices have increased. Last year, black pepper sold for around Tk 950 per kg; this year the price has risen to around Tk 1,030. 

However, white pepper prices have dropped slightly to Tk 1,220 per kg.