Although date imports have increased by 11 percent ahead of Ramadan, retail prices of several popular varieties have risen significantly. According to data from the National Board of Revenue, 49,807 tons of dates were imported between November 1 and February 17, about 5,000 tons more than the same period last year. Despite the higher import volume, prices of Zahidi, Dabbas, Nakal, Mashrook, and Amber varieties have increased by Tk 50 to Tk 200 per kilogram in the retail market.

Zahidi dates, widely known as an affordable option preferred by lower- and lower-middle-income consumers, have seen price hikes of Tk 50 to Tk 100 per kilogram even before Ramadan begins. In Chattogram’s wholesale market, carton-packed Zahidi dates were sold at Tk 280 per kilogram, while retail prices reached Tk 350. Last year during the same period, retail prices were around Tk 200 per kilogram. Bag-sold Zahidi dates are now retailing between Tk 250 and Tk 280, compared to Tk 180 to Tk 200 last year.

Market analysis suggests multiple reasons behind the price surge. A recent shipment of approximately 4,000 tons of dates sank at sea while en route from Thailand, with nearly 90 percent of the cargo consisting of Zahidi dates. Additionally, temporary work stoppages at Chattogram port over the leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal disrupted the unloading process for several days, affecting supply.

Importers claim the shortage is temporary and that new shipments are arriving as port operations have returned to normal. They expect prices to ease within a week as supply improves.

To stabilize the market during Ramadan, the government reduced import duties on dates from 25 percent to 15 percent on December 24. Advance income tax at the import stage was also reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent, effective until March 31. The Tariff Commission estimates total Ramadan demand at around 60,000 tons. Traders believe that current import trends will soon surpass demand levels.

Current retail prices in Chattogram show Nakal selling at Tk 360 (Tk 280 last year), Mashrook at Tk 450 (Tk 400 last year), Amber at Tk 800 (Tk 600 last year), and Dabbas at Tk 500 (Tk 400 last year). However, premium varieties such as Ajwa, Medjool, and Mariam have remained relatively stable.

The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh has begun selling dates nationwide at Tk 160 per kilogram, with each buyer allowed to purchase up to half a kilogram.

According to Professor Sajib Kumar Ghosh of the marketing department at University of Chittagong, the imbalance between supply and demand is the primary factor behind the price rise. He noted that while dates are consumed year-round, demand more than doubles during Ramadan, and even a slight supply disruption can significantly affect market prices.