Green chillis now twice as pricey in Dhaka
Traders are blaming the price hike on a decrease in production caused by extreme weather conditions.
The price of green chilli has doubled in Dhaka markets over the past two weeks, leaving consumers feeling the heat.
Traders are blaming the price hike on a decrease in production caused by extreme weather conditions.
A survey of retail markets in Rampura, Badda, and Segunbagicha revealed green chilli selling for a staggering Tk200-220 per kg. Just two weeks ago, the price hovered around Tk80-120 per kg, according to retailers. This increase is attributed to a rise in wholesale prices.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Ten to twelve days ago, I was selling green chilli for Tk100-120, but now I have to sell it at Tk200 because the price has gone up at the wholesale level," said Md Shafiq, a vegetable seller in Segunbagicha.
Wholesale traders point to a recurring seasonal shortage as the culprit. Excessive heat waves followed by heavy rains have impacted chilli plant growth, leading to a decline in production.
The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) confirms this trend.
They report that intense heat and scorching temperatures during April-June disrupt the normal growth cycle of chilli plants, causing flowers to fall and increasing susceptibility to diseases. This can result in a production decrease of up to two-thirds.
Traditionally, green chilli imports are permitted during this period to stabilise prices. However, import authorisation is currently under discussion and has not been granted yet. The Department of Agricultural Extension is monitoring the situation and considering import options.
"Production and supply always decrease at this time of year," said Md Imran Master, president of the Bangladesh Kachamal Aroth Malik Samity. "If import permission isn't granted soon, it will be difficult to control the market."
This situation is not unprecedented. Last year, a similar green chilli crisis saw prices soar to Tk800 in some areas. The government eventually intervened, allowing imports on 25 June, which gradually normalised the market.
According to BARI research, Bangladesh produces 6.25 lakh tonnes of green chilli annually across two seasons, demand sits at 5 lakh tonnes. However, post-harvest losses and inadequate storage facilities contribute to inconsistent supply.
