Bangladesh’s spice market has witnessed a sharp rise in activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha as demand increases for cooking and preserving sacrificial meat across the country.

Traders said sales of essential spices including cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, dried chili, coriander and mixed spice products have risen significantly during the festive season.

Visits to major markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Chawkbazar and Rampura, showed heavy crowds in both wholesale and retail spice markets as Eid approaches.

According to traders, the annual surge in demand during the Qurbani season is driven by increased household cooking and meat distribution activities.

Current retail prices in Dhaka vary depending on quality. Cumin is selling between Tk 600 and Tk 700 per kilogram, cinnamon Tk 450 to Tk 600, cloves Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,600, and cardamom Tk 4,600 to Tk 5,500 per kilogram. Dried chili powder is priced around Tk 500, coriander powder Tk 200 to Tk 280, and black pepper Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogram.

Traders said prices of several spices, including cumin, cinnamon, cloves and chili, have increased slightly over the past month due to higher import costs, a stronger US dollar and rising transportation expenses.

Consumers, however, expressed concerns over high retail prices and the circulation of adulterated spices in the market. In response, government authorities have intensified anti-adulteration drives and regular inspections at wholesale and retail markets.

Despite recent price increases, some spices are currently selling at lower prices compared to last year. Before Eid-ul-Azha in 2025, cumin prices ranged from Tk 700 to Tk 1,100 per kilogram, while this year prices remain between Tk 600 and Tk 700.

Prices of certain varieties of cardamom and cinnamon have also declined compared to last year. Traders attributed the comparatively stable market to improved conditions in the international spice market.

Meanwhile, black pepper prices have increased from around Tk 950 per kilogram last year to approximately Tk 1,030 this year. However, white pepper prices have fallen slightly and are currently selling at around Tk 1,220 per kilogram.