Increased Import of Green Chillies from India Leads to Boosted Supply and Lowered Prices

In an effort to address the sharp rise in local green chilli prices, the government of Bangladesh has initiated imports from India. This decision, made recently, has seen a significant influx of green chillies into the country, lowering prices for consumers.

As of 12 noon on Saturday, a total of 67 trucks carrying green chillies had entered Bangladesh via Hili Port. This is part of a larger import operation, with a total of 847 metric tons of green chillies, loaded in 101 trucks, having been imported as of 22 August.

On that same day, a record 239 metric tons of green chillies, loaded in 29 trucks, were imported via Hili Land Port. Over the past week, 618 metric tons of green chillies have been imported, loaded in 72 trucks.

The queue of trucks carrying green chillies does not end on the Bangladeshi side, as several more are waiting on the Indian side, eager to enter the country.

The imports are being facilitated by various Bangladeshi importers, represented by the Importers Association at Hili Land Port, led by Md Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi. Customs duties are managed by ASM Akram Hossain Samrat, Assistant Commissioner of Customs at the port.

Importers are purchasing green chillies in India at Rs70 to Rs80 per kilogram. Upon entry into Bangladesh, they are required to pay Tk37 per kilogram as customs duty. This has led to a drop in the price of green chillies in local markets, which now range from Tk150 to Tk160 per kilogram.

The drop in prices can be attributed to the increased supply of green chillies, as domestic production has been severely affected by ongoing floods and droughts. This situation has created a gap in the market that the imports from India are filling.

The influx of green chillies from India via Hili Land Port in Bangladesh is currently active, providing relief to consumers and market vendors alike. This move by the government is expected to continue, ensuring a steady supply of green chillies and stable prices in the coming weeks.

Increased Import of Green Chillies from India Leads to Boosted Supply and Lowered Prices