Dhaka:Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has instructed the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) to take action if abnormal pricing of imported Malta is confirmed, amid concerns that retail prices have soared to Tk 520 per kilogram.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the need for importers to expedite the opening of letters of credit and increase imports to stabilize market supply and control prices. These directives were issued during a meeting with traders and government agency representatives at the Ministry of Commerce.
Muktadir expressed dissatisfaction with the high prices and demanded explanations from traders regarding the retail price surge, considering import costs, duties, taxes, and other expenses. He reiterated that the government would not tolerate unjustified price increases and called for action from the consumer rights watchdog in such cases.
Traders attributed the inflated prices to supply shortages, noting that only 12 to 29 containers of Malta had arrived in some weeks, whereas about 15 containers were needed daily to meet demand. Importers cited high duties, transportation costs, shipping and port-related issues, and previous financial losses as discouraging factors for imports. They also pointed out the risks associated with transporting and storing perishable goods.
After listening to the traders, the commerce minister assured them that the duty structure for Malta would be reviewed. He encouraged importers to seek alternative sources and promptly open letters of credit to boost market supplies in the coming weeks.
The meeting also addressed ensuring adequate supplies of other imported fruits, such as dates. The minister announced that decisions on duties and taxes for date imports would be disclosed this week. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) plans to meet with date importers soon to review international pricing and propose reasonable assessment values to the National Board of Revenue.
Attendees at the meeting included Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, BTTC Chairman Nasir-Ud-Doula, DNCRP Director General Md. Zahirul Islam, a representative from the National Board of Revenue, senior officials from the commerce ministry, and leaders of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association.