Dates demand peaks ahead of Ramazan

Wholesale markets see record price hikes, old dates processed and sold as fresh

RAWALPINDI:

With the holy month of Ramazan approaching, wholesale markets and commission agent bazaars have witnessed a surge in the wholesale and retail purchase of essential food items for iftar and sehri. In wholesale markets, the demand for dates - a staple of Ramazan - has reached its peak.

This year, prices of all varieties of dates have increased to record levels. Meanwhile, in the open market, the practice of selling old dates as fresh ones has also intensified.

Vendors reportedly heat old dates in boiling water, dip them in sugar syrup, and finally coat them with cooking oil before selling them as fresh dates.

Shopkeepers in surrounding areas are allegedly earning hefty profits by processing and selling these old, low-quality dried dates at cheaper rates. Across the city, street vendors have begun offering these dates at Rs450 per kilogram.

These dates are often partially spoiled or dried.

According to dealers, the old and damaged dried dates are placed in large woks filled with boiling water. After being removed, they are soaked in sugar syrup for some time and then dipped in cooking oil. This process makes the dates relatively soft and sweet. These dates are being prepared mainly for low-cost Sasta Bazaars, and furnaces used for processing dates have also become operational.

Such furnaces are active in Narankari Bazaar, Ganjmandi, Hamilton Road, Pirwadhai, Dhoke Hassu and Fauji Colony. Normal dates are being sold at Rs650 to Rs800 per kilogram, while good-quality dates range from Rs1,000 to Rs1,600 per kilogram.

Grocery shopkeepers and street vendors from Azad Kashmir, Abbottabad, Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and nearby districts including Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock are purchasing dates in bulk from Narankari Bazaar and Ganjmandi wholesale markets. Iranian and Saudi dates of various qualities are also available in large quantities.