New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications and Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh on Monday alleged that rising prices of food items and essential commodities had made life difficult for poor and middle-class families and demanded immediate measures from the Centre to provide relief.

In a post on X, Ramesh said prices of spices had increased by 10 to 25 per cent over the past month. He cited an increase in the price of small cardamom from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,400 per kg, large cardamom from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,800 per kg and cumin from Rs 360 to Rs 400 per kg.

"In the past month, spice prices have surged by a massive 10% to 25%. Small cardamom has risen from 4000 rupees to 4400 rupees/kg, large cardamom from ...