As the government started importing Indian green chillies from Sunday, the prices of the kitchen staple are seeing a drastic drop in Dhaka.
On Monday, the green chillies were being sold from Tk150 to Tk160 per kg, a huge drop from Tk350-400 per kg on Sunday.
This influx of Indian green chillies has caused the drop in prices, according to vendors.
Wholesale pepper sellers predict further reductions in green chilli prices, as they are currently being bought at the wholesale level for Tk110 in the local market.
With additional expenses factored in, the retail price is expected to range from Tk120 to Tk130, and it is anticipated to be sold in the market for Tk140-150 per kg.
The volatility in the pepper market has led to significant price fluctuations, with some regions seeing prices go as high as Tk1,000 per kg. For instance, green chillies were sold at Tk600 per kg in Bagerhat, Tk400 to Tk600 in Pabna, and Tk250 to Tk350 in Bogra.
The Department of Agriculture Extension reports that 36,830 metric tonnes of green chillies have been allowed for import this year.
