Dates hold special importance in the Ramadan market, so any fluctuation in prices directly affects household spending during the fasting month. When prices rise, overall food expenses increase. Ahead of Ramadan this year, date imports have increased, import duties were reduced to keep prices affordable, and shipments are being cleared regularly at the port. Despite these measures, retail prices of five varieties of dates are significantly higher than last year.

Among the most discussed varieties is Zahidi, popular among low- and lower-middle-income consumers because of its relatively lower price, often referred to as the “poor man’s date.” Bangladesh imports Zahidi in the largest quantity. Even before Ramadan begins, its price has risen by Tk 50–100 per kilogram. Prices of Dabbas, Nakal, Mashrookh, and Amber dates have also increased by Tk 50–200 per kilogram.

Zahidi dates are mainly imported from Iraq via Dubai through Chattogram Port and then distributed to wholesale markets. They are sold in cartons and sacks. Last Thursday, carton-packed Zahidi sold wholesale in Chattogram at Tk 280 per kg and retail at Tk 350, compared with about Tk 200 at the start of Ramadan last year. Sack-sold Zahidi traded wholesale at Tk 190 per kg and retail at Tk 250–280, up from Tk 180–200 last year.

Market visits, import data analysis, and discussions with traders indicate multiple reasons behind the price increase. A vessel carrying about 4,000 tonnes of dates from Thailand recently sank at sea, preventing a large shipment from reaching the market; roughly 90% of that cargo was Zahidi. In addition, a work stoppage by port officials and employees protesting the lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal temporarily halted cargo clearance, disrupting supply.

Sirajul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association, said the price rise is due to a temporary supply shortage. With port operations back to normal and new shipments arriving, he expects prices to fall within a week.

Imports up 11%

According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh imported 49,807 tonnes of dates between November 1 and February 17, compared with 44,716 tonnes during the same period last year—an increase of 5,091 tonnes or about 11.4%.

To stabilize supply and prices during Ramadan, the interim government reduced import duty on dates from 25% to 15% on December 24. Advance income tax at the import stage was also cut from 10% to 5%, effective until March 31. A similar duty reduction in 2024 helped boost imports and keep prices relatively stable.

The Tariff Commission estimates Ramadan demand for dates at around 60,000 tonnes. Given current import trends, traders say supply may exceed demand within a week. Between February 15 and 17 alone, 6,917 tonnes were cleared through Chattogram Port. NBR data show that about 30% of imports this season—roughly 15,000 tonnes—are Zahidi.

Importers say the sunken shipment prevented a large volume of Zahidi from entering the market, but alternative sourcing has been arranged and supplies should arrive within a week, likely easing prices.

Traders also note that demand for dates rises sharply during Ramadan, and even slight delays in supply can drive up prices. Small increases at the wholesale level often translate into larger hikes at retail markets. Limited market monitoring is also cited as a contributing factor.

How much prices increased

Prices vary by quality and variety. In Chattogram’s Station Road fruit market, Nakal dates are selling for Tk 360 per kg, up from Tk 280 last year. Mashrookh is Tk 450 (up from Tk 400), Amber Tk 800 (up from Tk 600), and Dabbas Tk 500 (up from Tk 400). However, prices of Ajwa, Medjool, and Maryam varieties remain relatively stable.

A buyer at Riazuddin Bazaar said he purchased a five-kilogram carton of Zahidi for Tk 1,750, noting that dates are essential during Ramadan, so purchases continue despite higher prices.

Meanwhile, the government’s Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has begun selling dates nationwide at Tk 160 per kg, with a purchase limit of 500 grams per buyer.

Professor Sajib Kumar Ghosh of the Marketing Department at the University of Chittagong said the price rise reflects an imbalance between demand and supply. Dates are no longer consumed only during Ramadan; they have year-round demand. However, demand more than doubles during Ramadan, and even minor supply disruptions can trigger price increases under such seasonal pressure.