Prices for spices skyrocket before Eid-ul-Adha
The cost of spices has increased by 20 to 25 percent, making it more difficult for customers to make ends meet as Eid-ul-Adha draws near.
Inflation is out of control in the markets of Multan. Cloves are now selling for Rs3,400 per kg, black pepper for Rs3,500, and garam masala for Rs2,800, while red chili and turmeric are costing Rs700 per kg. Wholesale prices have also increased dramatically.
According to locals, the cost of spices starts to increase before Eid, and inflation generally becomes worse throughout the holiday season. One customer complained, “A ration that used to cost Rs5,000 now costs Rs. 8,000.”
Excessive taxes on spices have been blamed by traders for the price increase. They claimed that essential ingredients for garam masala, including cloves, black pepper, black cardamom, cinnamon, and white cumin, have increased in price by 20 to 25 percent, necessitating a price increase of Rs5 to Rs10.
Before the Eid celebrations, residents are pleading with the government to take decisive action to lower spice costs and offer assistance.
