Rising Spice Prices Worsen Delhi’s Middle Class’ Inflation Problems

The cost of spices has now significantly increased after the country’s lack of tomatoes and pulses. The arrival of spices in the nation’s retail and wholesale marketplaces has drastically decreased as a result of the rains. However, everyone is affected by it. Many spices, including cumin, turmeric, red pepper, clove, cinnamon, and dried ginger, have reportedly increased in price in the last 10 to 15 days. People are already speculating as to whether these spices would be offered for sale in the market at government prices like tomatoes.

In a nation like India, inflation is a significant issue. According to reports, the cost of refined oil and beans has been quite high for the last several months. In addition to this throughout the previous almost two months, tomato prices were also high.

The middle class is inevitably having additional problems as a result of the rise in spice costs. According to sources, cumin cost Rs 300 per kg at wholesale last year, but it now costs Rs 700–800. Its price in the retail sector has now increased to Rs 1200. The cost of cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, and dried ginger have also increased.

The largest spice bazaar in Delhi-NCR is Khari Baoli. Spices are typically inexpensive at this market, but during the last several days, wholesale costs have also skyrocketed. Spice distributor Saurabh Agarwal said that prices have risen significantly in recent days. The drop in spice shipments is the primary cause. It rained at harvest time in numerous regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, which affected the production. As a result, the price of spices including dried ginger, cumin, and clove has increased recently. If all goes according to plan, spice costs should start declining in the first or second week of August.