Ramzan season sees 26.8% spike in dates supply, brings down prices in Pune

While last year one kilogramme of dates was sold at Rs 90- Rs 100, this year it is sold at Rs 60-Rs 100, said the traders

It is Ramzan season where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Dates are generally consumed after the fast is broken. Unlike previous years, the prices of dates have come down in the Pune market, thanks to the increased supply.

According to traders, prices of dates have gone down by at least 15-20 % in the local markets too (Ravindra Joshi/HT PHOTO)

Dinesh Sheth, a wholesale dealer of dates explained that heavy arrival of dates this year was responsible for the prices to come down by 15 to 20 per cent. “Pune has recorded the arrival of 520 tonnes of dates as compared to 410 tonnes same time last year. The 26.8 per cent increase in arrival has caused the prices to come down.” According to traders, prices of dates have gone down by at least 15-20 % in the local markets too. While last year one kilogramme of dates was sold at Rs 90- Rs 100, this year it is sold at Rs 60-Rs 100, said the traders.

Farah Sahikh, a resident of Kondhwa said , “The decreased prices of dates is making us happy. Dates, fruits and dry fruits are the main food items consumed during Ramzan. ”

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset and join mass prayers at mosques. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramzan. This annual observance is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam During this season, stalls that sell eatables to suit every budget is seen in many parts of the city.