Iftar items already costlier

The holy Ramadan month is knocking at the door. The Ramadan is expected to begin on 24 March subject to viewing the moon.

Usually, most of the Muslims prefer dates, drinks, fruits, chickpeas, popcorn and other items in Iftar. But, most traditional items of Iftar have become pricier already. The middle class people are facing trouble due to the skyrocketing prices of the essentials.

The price of dates increases every year during Ramadan. However, this time the price was hiked unexpectedly.

The price of dates has increased by Tk 100 to Tk 150 per kg. Depending on varieties, the most popular item consumed during Ramadan is selling at Tk 300 to Tk 1500 per kg, traders say.

After visiting wholesale market in Badamtali Ghat in the capital, this reporter found that Medjool dates, a special kind of dates from Egypt was selling at Tk1200 per kilogram.

Importers said that the higher rate of dollar, 20 percent regulatory duty, 25 percent customs duty, 15 percent VAT, five percent advance income tax, four percent advance trade duty, fuel coast of ships are key factors behind the price hike.

Prices of apple (crown), rose by Tk 90 to Tk 120 per kg this year compared to that of the last year. A kg of apple was sold for Tk 280 to Tk 300 on Thursday.

Abul Kalam Bhuyan, a private jobholder said I came here new market area to buy food items. But, the prices of all items are out of reach already. In different countries of the world, including the Middle East, the prices of daily necessities decrease during Ramadan, but the picture is different here our country.

Habibullah Pathan, President of New Market Cooperative Traders Association, said compared to last year, iftar prices have increased a little. Dollar crisis is one of the reasons behind it.