The price of green chilli has doubled to Tk320 per kilogram in Khulna over the past two weeks as persistent rainfall damaged crops and disrupted supply, traders said. Onion prices have also increased by Tk15-20 per kg, now selling for Tk50-60.
A visit to several city markets on Monday found green chilli retailing at Tk320 per kg, compared with Tk160-200 a fortnight ago. Onions, which previously sold for Tk35-40 per kg, are now priced between Tk50 and Tk60.
Traders attributed the sharp rise in chilli prices to waterlogging caused by continuous rainfall, which has damaged plants and reduced yields.
"The roots of chilli plants have rotted due to the rains, resulting in lower production and inadequate supply," said Abdur Rahim, a trader at Boro Bazar.
Monirul Islam, another trader, said chilli was scarce in production hubs such as Dumuria and Sharafpur, while the wholesale market at the Khulna Truck Terminal was also facing shortages.
Onion traders said arrivals from major producing areas, including Faridpur, Shailkupa, Kushtia and Magura, had declined, pushing up wholesale prices.
Abdul Malek, a wholesaler at the Sonadanga Truck Terminal market, said continuous rainfall had prevented farmers from bringing onions to market, while many were busy with jute cultivation during the monsoon season, further reducing supply.
Consumers voiced concern over the rising cost of essentials.
"Prices of almost all daily necessities have increased. We have to pay even more for onions now," said shopper Sakhina Begum, urging authorities to strengthen market monitoring.
Mohammad Selim, deputy director of the Khulna Divisional Office of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, said there is no scope for buying or selling goods at inflated prices. He said the directorate is working to protect consumers' rights and will intensify market monitoring of essential commodities, including green chilies, to curb unjustified price hikes.
