Spice prices soar ahead of Eid-ul-Adha 2025

With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, consumers in Multan are grappling with a fresh wave of inflation as the prices of essential spices have surged by 20 to 25 per cent, further deepening the financial strain on households preparing for the festive season.

According to market reports, the wholesale rates of common spices have reached alarming levels:

Cloves are now selling for Rs3,400 per kilogram, Black pepper has spiked to Rs3,500 per kilogram, Garam masala is priced at Rs2,800.

Residents say the price hike is a recurring pattern ahead of major Islamic festivals, with vendors typically increasing prices in anticipation of higher demand. “The same ration pack that used to cost us Rs5,000 is now priced at Rs8,000,” complained one shopper in a local bazaar.

Traders and wholesalers cite excessive taxation and increased import costs as the primary reasons behind the spike. Spices like white cumin, cloves, black pepper, black cardamom, and cinnamon—which are key ingredients in garam masala—have all witnessed a sharp jump in cost, compelling sellers to increase prices by Rs5 to Rs10 per unit.

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“High import duties and general market instability have left us with no choice but to pass on the costs to consumers,” a trader explained.

As families across the region begin preparations for Eid, the steep price increase is raising concerns about food affordability, especially for low and middle-income households.

Citizens are now urging the provincial and federal governments to intervene and stabilize prices, accusing authorities of turning a blind eye to seasonal profiteering and unchecked inflation.

“The government should immediately introduce price control mechanisms. Festivals like Eid should bring happiness, not financial stress,” said another frustrated shopper.

With Eid just days away, the sharp rise in spice prices threatens to dampen celebrations for many families already struggling to make ends meet.