The dates are very popular food item to the people of Bangladesh, especially in the time of Ramadan. The total demand of dates in the country is 90,000 to 100,000 tons, among which 50,000 to 60,000 tons is demanded just in the month of Ramadan. However, the price of the dates is increasing continuously by exploiting its good demand. Instability in prices are visible in storage and wholesale market of dates just one month before the holy Ramadan.
The prices of dates have been increased showing causes like dollar crisis, excessive booking rate and transport cost. Now the dates of Ajwah, Mariam varieties are sold at Tk 1,500, which were Tk 500 to Tk 700 just one year ago.
From the market visit, it has been seen that sales have decreased in permanent date shops, floating date shops centered around mosques. After Covid-19 period, the way dates were sold in rickshaws, on the pavements is not seen anymore. As the reason, shopkeepers say, because the price is high, customers are buying less. However, there is a normal supply of good quality dates in large department stores, wholesale shops and supermarkets.
There is widespread dissatisfaction among the buyers over the increase in the price of dates, but the sellers say that they have to keep the prices higher due to the higher prices in the wholesale market. On the other hand, the wholesalers say that the price of dates has increased due to the increase in dollar import and LC complications.
According to sources, 88, 961 tons of dates came through Chittagong port in the fiscal year 2021-22 and 84, 151 tons came in 2022-23.
An importer said there are many reasons for the decline in date imports. First of all, there has been strict imposition of customs duties on palm shipments. Now duty up to 275 taka has to be paid in different categories depending on the status. Once, the tariff of good and bad dates was only in name. But now, the dollar price has gone up, palm booking rates have gone up, freight has gone up, reefer container costs, inflation has gone up.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
