As Ramadan approaches, the financial strain on middle and lower-middle-class consumers in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly evident, particularly in the realm of imported fruits.
This newspaper on Wednesday reported that the recent hikes in supplementary duties on essential fruits such as grapes, apples, and watermelons have exacerbated an already challenging economic landscape, pushing these once-accessible luxuries out of reach for many families.
The NBR’s decision to raise the supplementary duty from 30 per cent to 45 per cent on certain dry and fresh fruits, alongside an increase from 20 per cent to 30 per cent on others, has sent shockwaves through the market.
The implications are clear: the cost of fruits has surged, with prices for apples and oranges climbing from Tk 99-100 per kg to Tk 115-116, and grapes now costing Tk 140-150 per kg, up from Tk 120-125. Such increases are not merely numbers; they significantly burden household budgets, particularly as families prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.
The reliance on imported fruits is stark, with nearly 60 per cent of the country’s fruit demand met through imports.
As local production struggles to keep pace, the increased costs of imports will inevitably lead to reduced availability and higher prices, further alienating consumers from these essential goods. The recent meeting between fruit importers and the NBR, which sought to address these concerns, yielded no relief; instead, the government opted to raise taxes, a decision that seems to disregard the economic realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Critics, including former leaders of consumer advocacy groups, have rightly pointed out that these measures will only deepen the populace’s financial woes, inflating prices and exacerbating public suffering. The interim government’s insistence on raising taxes as part of its revenue collection strategy, ostensibly to meet conditions set by the IMF, raises questions about prioritising fiscal targets over the welfare of the people.
As consumers lament the rising costs of basic fruits, we must say that the government is reassessing its approach. The burden of inflation should not fall disproportionately on the shoulders of the most vulnerable.
A more balanced strategy that considers the economic realities of everyday citizens is essential. As we enter this season of reflection and community, let us hope for a more equitable approach to taxation and support for those who need it most.
