Eid al-Adha is another month and a half away. But now the unscrupulous syndicate has started increasing the price of spices. A month ago, domestic garlic was sold at Tk 130 per kg in the retail market, but now it has to be bought at Tk 200. The price of 300 Tk per kg of native ginger has gone up to Tk 450.

The price of cardamom has increased by Tk 300 per kg. And it has been alleged that hundreds of businessmen of the country are involved in creating such a situation in the market. Besides, about 17 crore consumers are trying to buy masala products two and a half months before Eid in the ‘market price’ sale festival. A report went to the ministry last year on who is creating unrest in the spice products market.

There, more than a hundred businessmen from Dhaka, Chittagong and two regions were identified. But no action was taken against them. That’s why they do whatever they want.

According to sources, the top importers of garlic are 20 companies. The top importers of onions imported through Chittagong Port are AK Trading, Surma Tape, Mecca Enterprises, Jenny Enterprises and NN Enterprises. The four companies that import the most ginger are Mishu Trading of Bogra, Treaty International Trading of Dhaka, BK Traders of Bogra and Bhai Bhai Banizaloy of Dhaka.

Three companies in Chittagong import the most cardamom. Besides cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper and jaitri are imported. The controllers of these products are 30 to 40 people. Besides, the price of spice products is going up another step in the market price sale festival of Chittagong wholesale market Khatunganj. Market regulators are selling two to three times and even four times more than what is supposed to be a reasonable price per kg of produce at the wholesale level. As a result, other sellers in the market are also increasing the product price following that price.

Chittagong Executive Magistrate Prateek Datta said that despite repeated requests to the traders of Khatunganj, they did not show the receipts during the raid. During the campaign, it was also seen that if the cardamom import data is analyzed, the selling price should be Tk 1600-1700 per kg of cardamom with 15 percent profit. But in the market it is sold at the rate of 2200 to 3000 rupees per kg.

Naturally, the market becomes volatile. When asked the reason for the high price, the traders gave the excuse that the product was brought a year ago; was in the godown. Not sold for a year. On that account, the price is increased to make a profit. Besides, everyone sells at the price which is the ‘market price’. It is a kind of cheating with the consumers. In such situations, we bring the involved traders under the law.

On Thursday, after visiting the capital’s retail markets and talking to the sellers, it is known that on this day, desi onion is being sold at Tk 70 per kg. Which was 60 taka 1 month ago. 200 rupees per kg of desi garlic is being sold. Which was 130 taka 1 month ago. 440 taka per kg of black pepper is being sold. Which was Rs 370 a month ago. Turmeric is being sold at Tk 360 per kg; Which was Rs 320-330 a month ago.

Domestic ginger is being sold at Tk 450 per kg in the retail market; Which was sold for 250 rupees a month ago. Imported ginger is being sold at Tk 240-250; Which was 220 rupees a month ago. Cinnamon is being sold at Tk 620 per kg; Which was Rs 520 a month ago. A kg of small grain cardamom is being sold at a maximum of Tk 3800; Which was Rs 3500 a month ago.

In this context, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) President Golam Rahman said that every year before the Eid al-Adha, dishonest people increase the price of masala products. Because the demand for this product is high around Eid al-Adha. Several times the rogues were identified but no action was taken. Therefore, if no action is taken now, the price will go beyond the control of the buyer before Eid.

Spice seller in Kaowran market. Yunus said, Qurbani Eid actually increases the price of spice products by importers. It happened this time too. We buy wholesale and sell retail. If the price increases at the wholesale level, the price increases at the retail level. He said that all types of spices in the country depend on imports. And this market is controlled by few traders. All departments of government know who controls them. Therefore, if the operation is conducted there, the buyer’s relief will return.

The spice importers of Khatunganj said that most of the spice products of Bangladesh are imported. At one time, traders used to import goods at 82-84 rupees per dollar. Now the highest price of dollar is 112 rupees. Due to the imposition of tariffs on the prices of goods, the cost of imports has increased manifold. Due to which the price of masala products is higher now than at any time in the past.

Apart from this, the price of spices in the country may be high during the upcoming Eid al-Adha due to reduced imports. Because the import is much less than the quantity of spices that is demanded. Therefore, without solving the import crisis, there is no chance for the spice market to return to stability in the country.