High rates of spices spoil menu

CHANDIGARH: Skyrocketing prices of spices have threatened to upset the menu of families, especially those belonging to the middle and lower-middle class. Compared with that of last year, the rates have doubled. Besides, there is no uniformity in the rates across the Tricity.
A wholesaler in Panchkula, Shamini Kumar Bajaj, says there has been a sharp increase in the price.Monopoly and inadequate supply are the reasons.
Turmeric that was Rs 60/kg last year has touched Rs 240/kg, cardamom has jumped from Rs 240/kg to Rs 1,000/kg, green cardamom from Rs 800/kg to 2,000/kg, saunf from Rs 60/kg to Rs 160/kg, kalungi from Rs 60/kg to Rs 100/kg, pepper (long) from Rs 200/kg to Rs 400/kg, mace from Rs 350/kg to Rs 650/kg, he cites.
A wholesaler at Sector-26 Grain Market, Anil Mittal, says the prices have gone up by 50-60%.
Shayam Bansal from Mohali says cardamom and javantri have witnessed the maximum hike — almost 100%. While the price of green cardamom has jumped from Rs 1,000/kg to Rs 2,000/kg, that of cardamom has increased from Rs 500/kg to Rs 1,000/kg.