Bangladesh: The Ministry of Commerce fixes wholesale prices for common, Zahidi dates

Fresh Date

Fruits

Bangladesh

Market & Price Trends

Published Mar 13, 2024

Tridge summary

The Ministry of Commerce in Bangladesh has set maximum wholesale prices for common and Zahidi dates at Tk150-165 and Tk170-180 per kilogram respectively, in an effort to make them more affordable during Ramadan. Traders are urged to set retail prices based on this new structure, with the ministry threatening to establish a maximum retail price if they fail to comply. The state minister also mentioned other government initiatives to stabilize prices for essential goods like rice and soybean oil, and announced a deal with India to supply 50,000 tonnes of onions at a discounted rate.

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Original content

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 (March 12), 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 ...

Source: TBS