Home ›› 26 Apr 2020 ›› World Biz
With the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, the demand for dates has increased manifold as most of the people prefer to break their fasts by having dates prior to other Iftar items; it bears a special significance in religion.
Besides religious importance, date also a source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals which help to provide additional energy to those who fast in Ramadan.
Cashing in on the increased demand, retailers are charging 30 percent to 70 percent more price on the various variety of the dates available in the market.
Talking with the importers, The Business Post learned that there are about 17 percent additional stocks of dates in the country than the previous year.
To meet the growing demand, country has so far imported 35,000 tons of dates over the last three months and there is no reason to sell dates at exorbitant prices, said, the business insiders.
There are some 8 to 12 varieties of dates imported from at least seven countries particularly from Middle East.
Among the popular varieties, Jahedi, Mariam, Dhavas, Madina-Manowara, Ajwah, Amirat Gold are popular among the consumers.
The sourcing countries are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordon and Egypt.
The most popular date Jahedi comes from Iraq which accounts for 80% of the total import.
Importers sell these dates at a price of Tk 85 per kg to the retailers who repack in polybag each weighing ten kg aiming at selling at Tk 1000.
During a quick tour of Karwan Bazar on Saturday, this correspondent found that Jahedi brand is being sold ranging between Tk 200 to Tk 230 per kg.
About the shiny look of the dates Robiul Islam said, “We don’t garnish dates with any oil to bring freshness to them”.
Mariam variety, which was earlier sold between Tk 550 to Tk 600, is now being sold at Tk 800 per kg.
Price of Ajwah dates also rising high as it is now selling at Tk 1500 to Tk 1800.
This same variety was selling at TK 800 to Tk 1200 just before Ramadan.
Talking with the Business Post, Sirajul Islam, an importer of dates, said, “We have sufficient amount of dates in stocks which is as much as 35,000 tons. Despite transport shortage, we managed to keep the supply chain normal.”
Under any circumstances Jahedi dates should not be sold above Tk 100 to Tk 120, Sirajul Islam added.
He also said there are some 100 to 150 trucks are plying everyday to ferry dates from port to different markets across the country.
He also pointed out that retailers are overcharging as sales by the vendors remain closed due to outbreak of coronavirus.
Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is selling Jahedi dates at a price of Tk 120/kg.
sh/wi/teb
