The price of green chili in Jashore has risen sharply by Tk 150 per kilogram within a single day.
On Saturday, the retail price ranged from Tk 400 to Tk 450 per kilogram, depending on quality, compared to Tk 280 to Tk 290 on Friday.
Traders attribute the price hike to crop damage caused by continuous rainfall and a shortage of locally grown chili in the market. However, the agriculture department has assured that new green chili will be available in the market in the coming days, although prices surged ahead of its arrival.
Rana Gazi, a green chili trader at the main market, explained that there is a severe shortage of local chili. Wholesale prices have escalated to Tk 450 to Tk 500 per kilogram, depending on quality. While previously stocked chili is being sold at slightly lower rates in retail markets, Gazi warned that if import permits (LCs) are not cleared soon, the price could exceed Tk 1,200 per kilogram.
“If the rain continues, crop damage will worsen, and the price will rise even further,” said another trader, Dipu Biswas.
Local buyers expressed concern over the sudden price hike. Nasrin Begum, a shopper, said, “How can the price double in a single day? For ordinary people like us, buying green chili at Tk 400 is unaffordable. This situation would not have happened if the market had been monitored.” She added that people may have to cook without chili due to the unaffordable price.
Another buyer voiced frustration, stating, “The vegetable market is already too expensive. If green chili costs Tk 400, how can lower-income families like ours survive? The government should take immediate and strict action to control the market.”
Mohammad Selimuzzaman, Assistant Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate in Jashore and a member of the market monitoring committee, acknowledged that the price of green chili had increased from Saturday morning and assured that the issue was being monitored. He added that price hikes during the monsoon season are typical, but authorities are also investigating if unscrupulous traders are hoarding stocks to artificially inflate prices.
Mosharraf Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Jashore, stated that 665 hectares of land in the district were used for green chili cultivation this year, and the fields have not suffered significant damage due to the rain.
However, as this is a transition period between two crops, prices have risen slightly. He further stated that it will take 15 to 20 days for new chili to arrive in the market, at which point the price is expected to drop by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kilogram.
