The wholesale market for imported spices in Khatunganj-Asadganj, Chattogram, has fallen under the control of a profit-driven group, resulting in significant price inflation. Prices have soared three to seven times higher than the actual import costs, with the group exploiting the excuse of fewer letters of credit and increased demand before Eid-ul-Azha.
Cumin is being sold at Tk 780 per kg, while its import cost is only Tk 305 per kg. Cloves are priced at Tk 1,430 per kg, whereas their import costs range from Tk 185 to Tk 666 per kg. Other spices like cardamom, mace, cinnamon, black pepper, white pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, dry chilli, and coriander have also experienced inflated prices. The limited number of importers allows them to manipulate prices, and strict monitoring is needed to curb their profiteering.
Source for more details:
