India Sends 100 Tonnes of Green Chillies Through Bhomra

Around 100 tonnes of green chillies have entered Bangladesh from India through the Bhomra land port in Satkhira, raising hopes that the sharp rise in chilli prices will ease as supplies increase in the domestic market.

The first consignment arrived in 10 lorries by Monday evening, according to officials and traders familiar with the import process. Importers are expecting the increased availability of the essential kitchen staple to put downward pressure on prices within the next one or two days, provided shipments continue at a steady pace.

Mushfiqur Rahman, commissioner of the Bhomra Customs House, said 10 lorries carrying Indian green chillies had entered Bangladesh through the land port by Monday evening. The consignments will be released for distribution to wholesale markets across the country after the necessary customs procedures and payment of applicable duties have been completed.

Port-related sources said each lorry was carrying between nine and 11 tonnes of green chillies. The first day’s imports therefore amounted to roughly 100,000 kilograms, or about 100 tonnes, providing a significant fresh supply at a time when the domestic market has been facing a shortage.

Importer Saddam Hossain said the first 10-lorry consignment was brought into the country immediately after permission for the imports was granted. The imported chillies will be transported to different markets as quickly as possible, he said, expressing hope that increased supplies would gradually bring prices back towards a more normal level.

The latest price surge has been linked by local traders to disruptions in domestic production. Continuous rainfall has reportedly submerged chilli fields in Satkhira and neighbouring districts, damaging crops and reducing the volume of chillies reaching wholesale markets. The resulting supply shortage has contributed to a steep increase in prices over a relatively short period.

According to local traders, green chillies were selling at around Tk 50 per kilogram just 15 days ago. In recent days, however, the price has climbed to more than Tk 250 per kilogram. The sharp increase has placed additional pressure on consumers, particularly because green chillies are a commonly used ingredient in everyday cooking.

The arrival of imported chillies is expected to provide some immediate relief by supplementing domestic supplies. However, traders say the extent and speed of any price reduction will depend largely on whether imports continue and how quickly the consignments are distributed to wholesale and retail markets.

Rajab Ali, general secretary of the Satkhira City Raw Produce Traders’ Association, said the start of imports from India should increase the availability of green chillies in the market. If the supply improves and imports continue, he expects prices to gradually decline towards a more manageable level.

For consumers facing unusually high prices, the immediate focus will now be on how quickly the imported chillies reach retail markets. If further consignments arrive through Bhomra and domestic production begins to recover as weather conditions improve, market supplies could strengthen and help ease the current price pressure.