Staff Reporter :
A surge in imports of chickpeas, dates, apples, and oranges even before Ramadan is driven by anticipated demand spikes.
Over 303,125 tonnes of these four items have received import permits (IPs) from the Chittagong Seaport Plant Quarantine Centre under the Agriculture Extension Department. Most chickpea and date importers hail from Khattunganj, while apple and orange traders dominate Chittagong Fruit Market.
Statistics from July 1 to December 11 show 129,093 tonnes of chickpea permits issued, but only 58,161 tonnes imported-a third of approvals. Dates saw 48,118 tonnes permitted versus 7,972.828 tonnes arrived. Apples had 78,685 tonnes approved and 49,334 tonnes imported; oranges 47,229 tonnes permitted and 42,605 tonnes landed. Importers like Payel Traders, Allahor Rahmat Stores, and Satota Traders from Khattunganj, plus Arif Fruit Centre and Jamal Food Agency from Kotwali, lead the pack.
Traders opened more letters of credit (LCs) this year, citing eased dollar shortages and Ramadan demand.
Annual chickpea needs hit 150,000-160,000 tonnes, with 95,000-105,000 tonnes during Ramadan alone, prompting early stockpiling. Khattunganj Aratdar Association Secretary General Mohammad Mahiuddin noted easier LC access and falling international booking rates have boosted imports, dropping wholesale chickpea prices from 105 taka/kg last year to 75 taka/kg now-leading to losses. He predicts no price hikes if supply outpaces demand.
Fruit Market Association Secretary General Muhammad Touhidul Alam highlighted high duties inflating costs for dates, oranges, and apples, amid slumping demand. Rumors swirl of duty cuts soon, potentially easing prices. An anonymous chickpea importer plans Ramadan-timed shipments for peak profits, expecting ample stock to stabilize rates. Chittagong C&F Agents Association President SM Saiful Alam confirmed year-round IPs, with Ramadan accelerating arrivals.
Despite low global rates and steady inflows, Ramadan prices often spike. With over two months until mid-February's Ramadan start, stockpiles are building.
Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chittagong Secretary General Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chawdhury calls for immediate demand audits, import tracking, and ministry oversight to expose syndicates if prices rise despite surplus.
Local resident Mosaddek ur Rahman felt fears of last-minute syndicates hiking chickpea, sugar, lentils, dates, and fruits, urging preemptive monitoring over reactive crackdowns.
