TDS Desk:

Due to excessive rainfall, green chili production across the country has dropped, increasing the need for imports from India.

In the past month alone, 1,521 metric tons of green chilies have been imported through the Benapole land port. However, despite the regular imports, chilies that cost Tk 80 per kg to import are being sold in the retail market at Tk 300 per kg, sparking outrage among consumers.

On Thursday (21 August), 165 metric tons of green chilies arrived on 11 trucks.

At the retail level, green chilies were sold for Tk 60–80 per kg just 15 days ago, but now prices have surged to Tk 280–300. Importers’ documents show that, after including all expenses, the cost of importing chilies from India stands at a maximum of Tk 80–85 per kg at Benapole port.

Hafiz Ahmed, a green chili importer at Benapole, said a large portion of chilies are being sourced from Maharashtra, India. After expenses, importers sell with minimal profit, but by the time the product changes hands in the market, the retail price multiplies several times.

Ziaur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole Import-Export Association, said that an import duty of Tk 36 per kg has to be paid to the government. If duties were reduced, import costs would drop and so would market prices, allowing consumers to purchase at lower rates.

Ananda, owner of Ananda Trading Store in the Benapole market, said retail prices are slightly high due to limited supply of imported green chilies. Most imported chilies are distributed to divisional and district towns, which keeps local market prices elevated. However, if imports increase further, prices are likely to fall.

Consumer Abir Islam said that the price of green chilies is unreasonably high, and the lack of proper market monitoring has led to this situation.

Shyamal Kumar Nath, sub-assistant officer at Benapole Land Port’s Plant Quarantine Center, said that rising demand has increased imports from India. As soon as trucks enter the port, samples are collected and tested quickly, and clearance is given so that importers can release their consignments without delay.