Nyala, May 26 (Darfur24)
Markets selling spices and seasonings in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, have witnessed a noticeable increase in commercial activity ahead of Eid al-Adha, as families intensify preparations for the holiday.
Nyala market, one of Darfur’s main commercial hubs, typically experiences increased demand for food and household supplies during religious holidays and social occasions.
Musab Ibrahim, a spice trader at Al-Shatta market inside Nyala’s Grand Market, told Darfur24 that demand for spices and seasonings this year is higher compared to last Eid al-Adha due to increased household preparations for the festivities.
He said prices for most spices have remained relatively stable, except for garlic, whose price rose to 350,000 Sudanese pounds per quintal from 300,000 pounds previously, while the retail price reached around 6,000 pounds per pound.
He added that black and red cumin prices stabilized at around 580,000 pounds per quintal and 7,000 pounds per pound, while ginger reached approximately 1.1 million pounds per quintal. Cinnamon prices ranged between 700,000 and 750,000 pounds per quintal.
According to Ibrahim, most spices and seasonings are imported from Chad, making their prices vulnerable to fluctuations in exchange rates and currency values.
Meanwhile, resident Hajja Halima told Darfur24 that spice prices often rise during the Eid season, accusing some traders of exploiting increased consumer demand in the absence of effective market oversight.