After vegetables, sugar and onions, a fresh wave of inflation is now hitting the kitchen in Bareilly. Prices of several commonly used spices have risen sharply over the past two months, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
From turmeric and red chilli to black pepper, coriander, cardamom and garam masala, the prices of several essential spices have climbed between July and September. For low-income families, the rising costs are even forcing some households to cut down on their use of spices.
Cardamom Records the Biggest Jump
According to wholesale market prices, small cardamom has witnessed the steepest increase. Its price has jumped from ₹2,600 per kg in July to ₹4,100 per kg in September.
| Spice | July Price (₹/kg) | September Price (₹/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Garam Masala | 1,000 | 1,200 |
| Black Pepper | 850 | 1,000 |
| Red Chilli | 200 | 280 |
| Turmeric | 180 | 280 |
| Small Cardamom | 2,600 | 4,100 |
| Mace (Javitri) | 2,400 | 2,650 |
| Cloves | 850 | 1,050 |
| Black Cardamom | 1,980 | 2,100 |
The sharp rise in spice prices is being felt from wholesale markets to retail shops, eventually increasing the amount consumers have to spend on everyday cooking.
Why Are Spice Prices Rising?
Vivek Kumar, a wholesale trader at Bareilly’s Shyamganj market, said prices are rising because production has not kept pace with demand. Lower sowing in some areas and unseasonal rainfall have also affected supplies.
Coriander prices have increased as arrivals have declined while demand has risen. Unseasonal rain has also affected the production of turmeric and red chilli.
Traders say quality is another important factor. Prices of better-quality small cardamom have seen a particularly sharp increase.
Trader Gulshan Gupta said good-quality black pepper is mainly sourced from Vietnam. Whenever supplies from the region decline, prices can rise further.
Rising Food Costs Add to Household Pressure
Spices are not the only grocery items becoming expensive. Cooking oil, pulses and vegetables are already putting pressure on household budgets, creating an additional burden for consumers.
With the festive season approaching, traders expect demand for spices and other grocery products to increase further. This could keep prices under pressure in the coming days.
For families already struggling with rising grocery bills, even small increases in everyday ingredients are making a noticeable difference.
Homemaker Shweta said the continuous increase in the prices of spices, vegetables and other grocery items has disrupted the monthly kitchen budget and is adding to household expenses.
Another homemaker, Rashmi, said the government should take steps to control inflation, as rising prices are creating difficulties for middle-class families.
For consumers in Bareilly, the concern is now simple: as the cost of basic ingredients continues to rise, keeping the monthly kitchen budget under control is becoming increasingly difficult.
