In a span of three months, the prices of these dates have increased by 200-300 taka per kg. Last Saturday, in Chattogram markets, boxed dates were being sold at Rs 380, Mashrukh at Rs 500, Safari at Rs 800, Saudi Arabian amber at Rs 800, Nakal at Rs 350 and dates on string at Rs 500.
Shahidul Islam, owner of Folmondi’s Arabian Dates, told Prothom Alo that in addition to the tax burden, the dollar exchange rate is now high. Due to this the import cost of dates increased. And because of that the prices are increasing.
Meanwhile, Nurul Kabir, owner of Kabir Store in Reyazuddin Market, Chattogram, claimed that the sale of dates has reduced due to the increase in price. The prices of dates have increased since last one month. And, it is less likely to decline during Ramadan, he told Prothom Alo.
After talking to traders, it was found that Ajwa dates were sold at 700-1000 taka, Zahidi at 150-180 taka, Mashrukh Mariam at 400-500 taka, Kali Mariam at 500-550 taka, Nakal at 250-260 taka, box up to 2 taka. Last year during Ramzan, medium quality safari was sold for Rs 250 and sugai for Rs 150-180.
Chattala date shops import the dates themselves. Shop owner Nazmul Hasan said that every year before Ramzan, retailers used to come and buy dates from him. Sales are very low this year.