The spice market in Bangladesh has seen significant relief ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. Increased spice imports through the Hili land port in Dinajpur have ensured sufficient supplies across local markets. Contrary to the usual trend of price hikes seen before festivals, the costs of essential spices like cumin, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper have actually begun to decline.
Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi, president of the Hili Land Port Import-Export Association, stated that imports from India have risen significantly.
Essential items like cumin, ginger, and white cardamom are now reaching various districts across Bangladesh via the Hili port. Daily shipments are actively moving toward Dhaka, Bogura, Pabna, and Tangail. Wholesalers and retailers confirmed that markets are well-stocked, and traders from various districts are flocking to the area to secure their supplies for the festive season.
S.M. Saifuzzaman Rajib, assistant commissioner of the Hili Land Port Customs, reported that over 26,000 metric tons of spices were imported between January 1 and May 15.
This volume includes over 7,500 metric tons of just cumin and small cardamom. Traders believe that government market surveillance combined with consistent imports has kept prices under firm control. Anwar Hossain, a spice wholesaler at Hili market, noted that prices for nearly all varieties have dropped compared to last year. The price of white cardamom has plummeted by 500 to 700 Taka per kilogram.
Small cardamom now retails between 4,200 and 4,500 Taka, significantly lower than the 5,800 Taka peak during the previous Eid.
Similarly, the price of cumin has fallen from 650 Taka per kilogram two weeks ago to approximately 540-560 Taka today. Black cardamom prices have also descended from 3,000 Taka to 2,400 Taka. Prices for cloves and black pepper have likewise experienced notable reductions. With this consistent trend in imports, stakeholders expect spice prices to remain stable throughout the upcoming Eid celebrations.
