Sharp Rise in Spice Prices Hits Karachi Residents Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha

As **Eid-ul-Adha** approaches, a fresh wave of inflation has hit Karachi and other major cities across Pakistan, severely impacting the common people. Particularly, the prices of essential **spices** have surged by **20 to 25 percent**, making Eid preparations increasingly difficult for the middle and low-income groups.

According to market sources, wholesale prices of commonly used spices have risen alarmingly. **Cloves** now cost up to **PKR 3,400 per kilo**, **black pepper** has surged to **PKR 3,500 per kilo**, and **garam masala** has reached **PKR 2,800 per kilo**.

Consumers complain that this trend repeats every Islamic festival, with shopkeepers exploiting the anticipated surge in demand to arbitrarily hike prices. One local buyer lamented, “The groceries that used to cost us PKR 5,000 are now priced at PKR 8,000.”

On the other hand, wholesalers and retailers blame the price hikes on rising **import costs** and heavy **tax burdens**. Essential ingredients of garam masala such as **white cumin, cloves, black pepper, green cardamom, and cinnamon** have seen sharp price increases, forcing retailers to pass on an additional PKR 5 to 10 per unit to customers.

A trader explained, “Higher import duties and overall market uncertainty have compelled us to transfer these costs to consumers.”

For families busy with Eid preparations, this price surge is not only a financial burden but also threatens food availability, especially for those already struggling with poverty and inflation.

Citizens have urged the provincial and federal governments to intervene promptly to stabilize prices and curb seasonal profiteering and unchecked inflation. One buyer urged, “The government must immediately introduce a price control mechanism. Eid is meant to bring joy, not financial strain.”

With Eid just days away, the rapid increase in spice prices is dimming the celebrations of many families already facing everyday financial challenges.