Commerce fixes wholesale prices for common, Zahidi dates

The Ministry of Commerce has taken steps to make dates more affordable for ordinary citizens during Ramadan by setting maximum wholesale prices for common and Zahidi varieties.

In a letter issued Tuesday (12 March), the ministry fixed the wholesale price of common or low-quality and Zahidi dates at Tk150-165 and Tk170-180 per kilogram, respectively. The letter was sent to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association.

The ministry has also requested these associations to set retail prices based on the new wholesale price structure. Currently, the widely popular Zahidi dates are being sold at much higher prices, ranging from Tk350 to Tk400 per kilogram.

"We have written to the traders, urging them to keep the retail price of dates consumed by ordinary people within the range of Tk200-250 per kilogram," said State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu. "We expect them to set and implement a reasonable retail price by today (Tuesday). If they fail to do so, the ministry will be forced to establish a maximum retail price for these dates on Wednesday."

The state minister emphasised that the authorities are only regulating the price of commonly consumed, sack-imported dates. Luxury or premium dates will not be subject to price control.

"The ministry has determined a fair price per kilogram for various date qualities after analysing import costs, duties, and other expenses incurred by importers," the letter to the traders explained.

The state minister also highlighted other government efforts to stabilise market prices for essential commodities. He mentioned the successful control of rice price volatility and the reduction of bottled soybean oil by Tk10 per litre, bringing the price down to Tk163. Additionally, open soybean oil is now being sold for Tk149 at mill gates.

"We are actively monitoring the market to ensure stability," said the state minister. "The prime minister has instructed us to guarantee fair pricing for essential goods, and we are working diligently to fulfil that directive."

The state minister further addressed the significant price difference for lemons between his home district of Tangail, where they are sold for Tk6-7 each, and Dhaka, where the price reaches Tk20 per lemon. He revealed that he had spoken with the home minister to investigate the cause of this discrepancy, whether it be transportation costs or other factors.

The state minister provided promising news regarding onions, another essential ingredient. He announced that India has agreed to supply Bangladesh with 50,000 tonnes of onions at a discounted rate of $800 per ton, compared to the $1200 price for exports to the United Arab Emirates. 

The import process, either through a government-to-government agreement or private sector channels, is expected to begin soon once the final price is confirmed.

The state minister concluded by assuring the public of a sufficient stock of sugar, stating that the price of packaged sugar will not exceed Tk145-146 per kilogram during Ramadan, and open sugar at mill gates will remain below Tk149 per kilogram