With Ramadan approaching, dates are once again at the centre of Bangladesh’s food market. But instead of relief from a recent duty cut, consumers are facing higher prices across wholesale and retail counters.
In December, the government reduced import duty on dates from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, aiming to stabilise supply and keep prices affordable during the fasting month. Imports picked up in the months that followed. Yet, rather than easing, prices have climbed sharply in the run-up to Ramadan.
Market data show that within a week, prices of quality dates have risen by Tk 50 to Tk 200 per kilogram. Retail markets are seeing steeper increases than wholesale hubs. Traders say that where wholesale prices rose by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg, retail prices jumped by Tk 50 to Tk 100.
Why prices are still rising
Importers argue that the timing of the duty cut limited its immediate impact. Shamsul Islam Esha, a date importer, explained that although the notification was issued in late December, it took nearly a month for the reduced rate to become effective in practice.
“Traders had already placed purchase orders earlier at higher prices, and those consignments were cleared under the previous duty structure,” he said. “That is why they are not getting the benefit of duty exemption.”
Traders also point to logistical disruptions. A recent port strike delayed cargo releases, while election holidays slowed supply chains at a time when demand was building. The result, they say, was a temporary supply crunch just before the seasonal spike.
Adding to the pressure, a shipment of dates from Iraq reportedly sank, further tightening market availability.
Retail gap widens
A visit to major markets shows that lower-priced varieties, popular among lower and lower-middle-income consumers, have also become costlier. Bangla dates are now selling at around Tk 220 per kg. Zahidi dates are priced between Tk 260 and Tk 280, while Dabas range from Tk 550 to Tk 570.
Premium varieties command much higher prices. Plum dates are selling for Tk 480 to Tk 600, Kalmi Tk 700 to Tk 800, Sukkari Tk 800 to Tk 1,000, Mabrum Tk 850 to Tk 1,200, Maryam Tk 1,100 to Tk 1,400, and Medjool between Tk 1,200 and Tk 1,500 per kg. Retail prices for many of these varieties have risen by Tk 50 to Tk 200, even though wholesale increases were comparatively modest.
Sirajul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association, said prices have increased slightly but remain lower than last year. “Retailers are increasing prices more than wholesalers,” he said, adding that the duty relief this year is only marginally higher than last year.
Demand peaks, pressure builds
According to Commerce Ministry sources, Ramadan demand for dates ranges between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes. In the four months before and after the duty reduction, around 47,000 tonnes were imported.
With the reduced duty set to remain effective until March 31, attention now turns to whether increased supply in the coming weeks can steady the market. For now, however, the staple that traditionally breaks the fast is becoming a heavier burden on household budgets.