The government has fixed the price of dates, one of the ingredients of Iftar. According to a memorandum of the Ministry of Commerce on Monday, the price of very common and low quality dates has been fixed at Tk 150 to Tk 165 per kg and the widely used Zaidi dates at Tk 170 to Tk 180 per kg.
However, on Wednesday (March 13) several markets in the capital did not find dates at this price. Rather, there is no date below Tk 220 in the market. 400 to 500 taka to buy dates of fair quality.
Bengali dates are being sold in the market for Tk 220 to Tk 250 as very common and low quality dates. Zaidi dates in Iraq are being sold at Tk 320 to Tk 400 per kg.
When asked why they are selling at a higher price than the price fixed by the government, most of the sellers said that they do not know about the price fixing.
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According to the memorandum issued regarding determination of retail price of dates, this price has been determined by analyzing the import price of different quality dates imported into the country, duties imposed, taxes and other costs incurred by the importers. In the light of this price, the Ministry of Commerce has requested to take necessary measures for the sale of dates by determining the retail price.
Akram Hossain sells dates in Rampura market. He said, ‘If the government decides, then the government should sell at that price. How can we buy at a higher price and sell at a lower price? I will bring it from my house!’
This time, the price of dates in the market is high even before the start of fasting. For several years, there have been allegations of various irregularities in the import of dates. Last year before fasting, many traders announced the importation of expensive dates like ajoa and medjul from 95 cents per kg to one US dollar. Customs duties were increased for this reason. A minimum import price is also fixed in determining customs duties. All in all, per kg date palm import tax now has to pay 66 to 265 taka. Then this year the price of dates increased abnormally.
Good quality dates are being sold for at least 1000 taka per kg in the capital Dhaka market. Compared to last year, the price of all kinds of dates is higher by Tk 100 to Tk 400 per kg. Saudi Miriam dates were seen to be sold at Tk 900 to Tk 1,000, Ajoa at Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,400.
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