With Eid-ul-Azha just days away, a sharp surge in the prices of spices and essential commodities is placing growing pressure on consumers already struggling with stagnant incomes.
As the festival draws near, shoppers say their bags are not getting heavier with goods, but with frustration and rising expenses.
Traditionally marked by rich and aromatic dishes, Eid-ul-Azha is bringing added financial strain this year, as soaring spice prices disrupt household budgets and complicate preparations for the festivities.
Within a matter of days, prices of almost all major spices have risen significantly. Cardamom is now selling between Tk 4,600 and Tk 5,500 per kilogram, cloves between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,000, cumin between Tk 700 and Tk 800, cinnamon between Tk 550 and Tk 600, and coriander powder at over Tk 300 per kilogram. Prices of ginger, garlic, and onions have also trended upward.
Markets across the capital are witnessing heightened volatility, largely driven by increased pre-Eid demand. Traders attribute the spike to seasonal consumption patterns, particularly for items such as polao rice, spices, edible oil, salad ingredients, and dry food products, leaving consumers under mounting financial pressure.
However, there has been some relief in the poultry and egg markets, where prices have remained stable or declined slightly. Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk 170 to Tk 180 per kilogram, down from over Tk 190 just a few days ago. Sonali chicken is priced between Tk 330 and Tk 350 per kilogram, while local varieties are selling for Tk 600 to Tk 650.
Egg prices have also eased, with a dozen now retailing between Tk 135 and Tk 140, down by Tk 10 to Tk 15 compared to last week. Meanwhile, beef prices remain steady at Tk 800 per kilogram. Traders say the marginal drop in poultry and egg prices is due to improved supply.
At Raisahib Bazar, shopper Mashrafi Hasan said, “A few days ago, I bought chicken at Tk 200 per kg. Today I got it at Tk 180. It feels like a bit of relief.”
Chicken vendor Anisur Rahman echoed the sentiment, saying, “Supply is higher compared to last week, that is why prices have dropped slightly.”
In contrast, the market for polao rice, an essential component of Eid meals, has seen a notable increase. Depending on quality, polao rice is now selling at Tk 150 to Tk 160 per kilogram, up from around Tk 130 just days earlier. Packaged chinigura rice is priced between Tk 170 and Tk 175 per kilogram, while loose aromatic varieties are selling at Tk 140 to Tk 150.
As Eid approaches, the rising cost of essentials continues to overshadow the festive spirit, turning what should be a time of celebration into a growing financial strain for many households.
With Eid approaching, demand for semai and noodles has risen sharply, driving up prices across markets and adding to the strain on household budgets.
A 200-gram packet of semai is now selling for Tk 40–45, while an 800-gram pack of Bombay semai is priced at Tk 280. Loose lachcha semai is retailing at Tk 180 per kilogram. Consumers also report price hikes across various noodle brands.
Prices of key salad items have also increased. Cucumbers are being sold at Tk 60–70 per kg, tomatoes at Tk 80–90, and green chilies at Tk 100–120 per kg. However, the lemon market has offered some relief, with four pieces (one hali) priced at Tk 20–30.
The edible oil market remains volatile. Loose soybean oil is being sold at Tk 190–200 per kg. In many shops, limited supply of bottled oil has forced consumers to pay Tk 5–10 more per litre than the printed price, prompting complaints.
Traders attribute the pressure in the oil market to higher import costs and supply shortages.
Sellers say increased pre-Eid demand has pushed up prices of most essentials. Wholesale prices of items such as polao rice, spices, oil, semai, and dry food products have been rising for several days, leading to higher retail prices.
According to traders, rising import costs, higher transportation expenses, and continued strain on the supply chain are contributing to the ongoing market volatility.
Mahbub Alam, a private-sector employee shopping at a bazar, said, “I came to shop for my family ahead of Eid, but almost everything is more expensive than before. Whether it’s polao rice, oil, spices, semai, or noodles, every item now costs more, making it difficult to balance the budget. Prices of individual items have increased by Tk 20–50. For middle-income families like ours, Eid shopping has become very challenging. Proper market monitoring could have brought some relief.”
Meanwhile, the vegetable market has shown slight easing. Most vegetables are currently selling between Tk 60 and Tk 80 per kg. Bitter gourd is priced at Tk 80, round brinjal at Tk 100, long brinjal at Tk 70, cucumbers at Tk 60, and tomatoes at Tk 80–90 per kg. Pointed gourd and ridge gourd are selling at Tk 80 per kg.
Yardlong beans, papaya, snake gourd, and sponge gourd are also priced at Tk 80 per kg. Bottle gourd is being sold at Tk 60–80 per piece, green bananas at Tk 60 per hali, and okra at Tk 60 per kg. Sweet pumpkin is sold at Tk 50 per kg. However, green chili prices remain relatively high at Tk 120 per kg.
Shihabul Islam, a shopper at Raysaheb Bazar, said, “Vegetable prices have decreased slightly compared to last week, but they are still high for ordinary consumers. Market monitoring needs to be strengthened.”
Kamal Uddin, a vendor at Narinda Bazar, warned that vegetable prices could rise again if supply drops due to transport disruptions and traffic congestion during Eid.
Fish markets across the country have witnessed a sharp rise in prices ahead of Eid, with most varieties becoming costlier due to increased demand and tighter supply.
Pangas is currently being sold at Tk 180–200 per kg, while Telapia is priced at Tk 200–230 per kg. Rui ranges between Tk 240 and Tk 350, Mrigel between Tk 250 and Tk 300, and local Tengra is being sold at around Tk 600 per kg. Bele is priced at Tk 350 per kg, Baim at Tk 600–800, Pabda at Tk 350, Koi at Tk 400–500, Shing at Tk 400, Poa at Tk 260, Shoul at Tk 700, and Taki at Tk 400 per kg.
Shrimp prices remain notably high, selling between Tk 550 and Tk 900 per kg depending on size and variety.
Hilsa, the most sought-after fish, has seen significant price variation. One-kg hilsa is being sold at Tk 2,500–3,000 per kg, while 600-gram hilsa ranges between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,000 per kg. Smaller jatka hilsa, weighing around 200 grams, is priced at about Tk 800 per kg. Traders say hilsa prices fluctuate mainly based on size and supply.
Vendors said demand has risen sharply ahead of Eid, while supply from rivers and farms has declined slightly, pushing prices upward across most categories, particularly hilsa, shrimp, and local fish varieties.
Customers expressed frustration over the sudden price hike. Rezaul Karim, a buyer, said he found almost all fish prices significantly higher during his Eid shopping. “I wanted to buy good fish for my family, but due to budget constraints, I often have to settle for cheaper varieties,” he said.
Consumers also alleged that some unscrupulous traders tend to manipulate the market ahead of Eid, contributing to instability through syndicates. They have called for stronger market monitoring and strict oversight to ease pressure on consumers.